Which of the following describes a plastic impression?

A plastic impression refers to a three-dimensional impression that is formed in a soft material. This type of impression often occurs when an object leaves an indentation in a malleable surface, such as mud, snow, or soft wax. Such impressions are critical in forensic investigations, as they can provide detailed and accurate representations of the object that made the impression, including features like tread patterns or unique identifiers that are not apparent in two-dimensional prints.

In forensic science, collecting plastic impressions can help link a suspect or object to a crime scene. The three-dimensional nature of these impressions allows for comparisons with known objects, making them valuable evidence in court. This characteristic of being three-dimensional, created in softer materials, clearly sets plastic impressions apart from other forms of impressions or prints, such as those found in ink or on dry surfaces, which do not yield the same level of detail.