Which of the following is an example of trace evidence?

Trace evidence refers to small particles or materials transferred from one location or object to another during the commission of a crime. This type of evidence is often crucial in forensic investigations as it can link a suspect to a crime scene or victim.

Hair serves as a prime example of trace evidence. It can be transferred from one individual to another, or from individuals to objects or environments, often without the awareness of the people involved. Because hair can retain characteristics from its source, such as DNA in the case of root samples, it can provide critical information related to identity and presence at a crime scene.

While glass shards and paint can also be considered trace evidence, they may not fit the strictest definitions as closely as hair does because they tend to be less intimately connected to human presence and more to the specifics of a crime scene. Fingerprints, on the other hand, are individual identifiers rather than trace evidence, as they provide specific identity rather than linking two parties through transfer. Thus, hair is the most fitting choice for an example of trace evidence in this context.