What type of fingerprint patterns occurs in about 35% of all cases?

The correct answer is the whorl pattern, which occurs in approximately 35% of all fingerprint cases. Whorls are characterized by a circular or spiral arrangement of ridge lines. This pattern is distinct and can often be identified by its unique internal ridge configurations, making it an important classification in fingerprint analysis. Each whorl can have various subcategories, such as plain whorls, central pocket loops, and double loops, but they all share the common trait of ridge formations that swirl around a central point.

In the context of fingerprint analysis, distinguishing between loop, plastic, patent, and whorl patterns is crucial because each type serves different purposes in identification and forensic investigations. Loops, which comprise about 60-65% of fingerprints, are the most common pattern but do not match the frequency of whorls. Plastic fingerprints are impressions left in materials like wax or clay, while patent fingerprints are visible prints left on surfaces like glass or paper. These types don’t account for the same percentage as whorls and are less ubiquitous in the general fingerprint population. Understanding the prevalence of whorls enhances a technician's ability to analyze and categorize fingerprints effectively.