Which of the following is a general fingerprint pattern group?

• A. Arch
• B. Ridge
• C. Minutia
• D. Pores

Answer: (A)

Understanding general fingerprint pattern groups vs. fine details clarifies this item. An arch is a general fingerprint pattern category. It describes broad ridge flow, with ridges entering from one side, rising slightly, and exiting on the opposite side, and it contains no delta. That broad pattern type is what makes arches a general category in fingerprint classification.

The other terms refer to specifics rather than broad categories: a ridge is a single ridge line, not a broad pattern; minutia are the individual ridge features (like bifurcations and ridge endings); pores are tiny openings on the skin and not part of the pattern classification.