What is genetic fingerprinting used for in this investigation?

• A. To identify the skeletons
• B. To estimate the age of the bones
• C. To measure bone density
• D. To determine the gender of skeletons

Answer: (A)

Genetic fingerprinting identifies individuals by unique DNA patterns, so in an investigation with skeletal remains it’s used to determine who the skeleton belongs to. By extracting DNA from bone or teeth and creating a DNA profile, investigators can compare it to DNA from a known person or relatives to confirm identity. This differs from estimating age, measuring bone density, or determining gender, which rely on skeletal features, radiographs, or morphological traits rather than matching DNA to a person. So the main use here is to identify the skeletons.