Which best describes trace evidence?

• A. Physical evidence such as fibers, hair, or residues
• B. Eyewitness testimony
• C. Digital data
• D. Hearsay

Answer: (A)

Trace evidence refers to small amounts of physical material that can be transferred between people and scenes during a crime—think fibers, hair, residues, or tiny particles. The power of this evidence lies in its tangible, lab-analyzable nature, allowing specialists to identify material types, sources, or associations that link a suspect, victim, or location to the crime. This sets it apart from eyewitness testimony, which is based on memory; digital data, which is electronic information; and hearsay, which is secondhand statements. Therefore, physical clues like fibers, hair, or residues best describe trace evidence.