What is trace evidence and provide an example?

Trace evidence refers to small materials that can be transferred between objects during the commission of a crime, making it crucial for forensic investigations. This type of evidence is typically microscopic and includes items such as hair, fibers, soil, glass, and paint.

For example, when a person brushes against a surface, tiny fibers from their clothing may be left behind and can subsequently be collected as trace evidence. This evidence can help link a suspect to a scene, establish a connection between objects, or provide insights into the events surrounding a crime. Trace evidence plays a vital role in forensic science because it can often be recovered and analyzed even when the crime scene has been disturbed or when large items of evidence are absent.

The other choices highlight different types of evidence that are not considered trace evidence. Eyewitness accounts rely on human observation and recollection, which differ greatly from the physical nature of trace evidence. Larger objects, such as weapons, are classified as physical or direct evidence, while digital evidence focuses on data retrieved from electronic devices. Each of these categories serves a specific purpose in a forensic investigation, but they do not encompass the characteristics or methods of trace evidence analysis.