Forensics Unit 5.1 – Hair as Trace Evidence Cover Sheet
Hair from humans and animals can be used as trace evidence to provide leads in forensics cases. Identification of hair is
based on structural differences such as pigment variation, medulla variation and scale shape.
Use these objective statements to guide your learning and studying in this unit. Before the test, take the time to write out
answers to every single question.
1. Define all vocabulary words. [BLM 1]
2. Draw a diagram of the hair shaft, and label the following: cuticle, cortex, medulla, pigment granule). [BLM 2-4]
3. Draw and identify various medulla variations, including the following: clear, opaque, discontinuous, wafer. Bubbly,
coarse). [BLM 2-4]
4. Draw and identify various pigment variations, including the following: one-sided, peripheral, random, central, ovoid
bodies, cortical fusi). [BLM 2-4]
5. Draw and identify the three stages of root growth, and state key characteristics of each stage that can be used for
identification. [BLM 1, 3, 4]
6. State the significance of finding a follicular tag or a postmortem root band. What can you discover from each of
these structures? [BLM 2-3]
7. Compare and contrast the hair characteristics of the three racial groups: Mongoloid, Negroid, Caucasoid. [BLM 4]
8. Identify the racial origin of various samples of hair using a comparison of racial characteristics. [BLM 4, 5]
9. Compare and contrast the characteristics of hairs from different parts of the body (somatic hairs). [BLM 4]
10. Identify somatic hairs using a comparison of somatic hair characteristics. [BLM 4, 5]
11. Compare and contrast human vs. animal hairs in terms of medulla variations, scales, and pigment variations. [BLM
4]
12. Identify animal hairs by family according to their scale patterns, root shape, medulla variations and pigment
variations. [BLM 4, 5]
13. Describe how hair can be used as forensic evidence in a criminal case. Is this class or individual evidence? Is hair
evidence considered conclusive or inconclusive evidence? [BLM 3, 4]
Unit 5.1 Vocabulary
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Keratin
Melanin
Pheomelanin
Cuticle
Cortex
Medulla
Proximal
Distal
Ovoid body
Cortical fusi
Pigment granule
Anagen root
Catagen root
Telogen root
Soma, Somatic
Head hairs
Pubic hairs
Limb hairs
Facial hairs
Chest hairs
Auxiliary hairs
Imbricate scales
Coronal scales
Spinous scales
Isodiametric scales
Guard hair
Fur hair