When viewed under the microscope in cross-section, human
hair indeed has characteristics indicative of race or ethnicity. The most basic
distinction is the cross-sectional shape of the hair shaft as
follows:
Caucasoid (white) hair = oval
cross-section
Negroid (black) hair = flat
cross-section
Mongoloid (Asian) hair = round
cross-section
There are also racial differences in
pigmentation, thickness of the hair cuticle, and prevalence of surface
undulations.
Additional and more specific racial/ethnic
information is available using DNA. This is especially true if the hair bulb is
present. DNA studies can reveal genetic markers characteristic of ethnic groups around
the world.
Finally, if hair bulbs and DNA are recovered, it
is possible to identify the individual, so long as a DNA sample from the suspect
individual is available for comparison.
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