Which statement describes individual characteristics?

• A. Features shared by a group such as size, shape, brand.
• B. Features that are temporary and easily altered.
• C. Features unique to a single source (e.g., DNA, fingerprints).
• D. Features found only in digital data.

Answer: (C)

Individual characteristics are features that can tie evidence to a single source because they are unique to that source. DNA patterns and fingerprint minutiae are classic examples of this kind of attribute, since, apart from identical twins in the case of DNA, these features are highly individual and can link a material or print directly to one person. This makes them powerful for identification and association in forensic analysis.

In contrast, features shared by a group—such as size, shape, or brand—are class characteristics. They help narrow down a source to a category but don’t pinpoint a single origin. Features that are temporary or easily altered are unreliable for identification because they can change over time or be manipulated, breaking any direct link to a source. Features found only in digital data touch on a different domain and don’t apply to linking physical evidence to a person in the same way.

Therefore, the statement describing features unique to a single source best captures the idea of individual characteristics.