Which of the following lists the three types of physical evidence?

• A. Digital data
• B. Direct, Indirect, Circumstantial evidence
• C. Biological, Impression, Trace evidence
• D. Testimonial, Documentary, Real evidence

Answer: (C)

Physical evidence comprises tangible items associated with a crime scene. The best way to group these materials into broad categories is biological evidence, impression evidence, and trace evidence. Biological evidence includes bodily fluids and DNA; impression evidence covers patterns left by surfaces or objects, such as fingerprints, footprints, and tool marks; trace evidence refers to small materials like fibers, glass, soil, or gunshot residue that can transfer in tiny amounts. This trio captures the main forms of physical material investigators analyze at scenes. The other options mix categories that aren’t three physical types: digital data is electronic evidence, not one of the three physical categories; direct/indirect/circumstantial describe evidence relationships rather than material types; testimonial, documentary, and real evidence are legal classifications rather than a physical-evidence taxonomy.