Which of the following surfaces is most likely to yield latent fingerprints?

Latent fingerprints are the impressions left by the natural oils and moisture from the skin, and they can be found on various surfaces. However, certain surfaces are more effective at preserving and revealing these prints than others.

Glass is a non-porous surface, meaning it does not absorb moisture or oils. This characteristic allows latent fingerprints to remain more intact and visible since the oils do not penetrate the surface. Glass can be easily processed using various fingerprint visualization techniques, such as powder dusting or chemical methods, which enhance the visibility of the latent prints. The smooth texture of glass also means that fingerprints can be more clearly defined compared to more textured or porous materials.

In contrast, surfaces like wood, cotton, and cardboard are porous. These materials absorb moisture and oils from the fingerprints, which may make it difficult to retrieve clear latent prints. Additionally, the texture of such surfaces can cause the prints to smudge or lose definition, further complicating retrieval efforts.

Thus, given its non-porous nature and the ways it can effectively retain and reveal latent fingerprints, glass is the surface most likely to yield clear and useful fingerprint evidence.