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Laboratory Report Outline: Identification and Comparison of Animal Hair

M. Villani

Introduction: Compare the morphology of human and animal hair.

Problem
How can a forensic investigator determine if a hair sample found at a crime
is human or animal in origin?

Hypothesis:

Data:
1. Name of unknown animal #1
a. Whole Mount 
1. Labeled diagram under high power
2. Diameter of Shaft in um (Show all work)
3. Medullary Index in um (Show all work)
b. Diagram of scale cast under high power
2. Name of unknown animal #2
a. Whole Mount 
1. Labeled diagram under high power
2. Diameter of Shaft in um (Show all work)
3. Medullary Index in um (Show all work)
b. Diagram of scale cast under high power
3. Name of unknown animal #3
a. Whole Mount 
1. Labeled diagram under high power
2. Diameter of Shaft in um (Show all work)
3. Medullary Index in um (Show all work)
b. Diagram of scale cast under high power
4. Labeled drawings of seven known animal hairs under high power.

Analysis:
1. Compare the medullary patterns of the hair samples you examined.
2. Compare the cuticles of the hair samples you studied
3. Compare the diameter of the hair samples you examined.
4. What animal is animal #1? 
a. How do you know?
5. What animal is animal #2?
b. How do you know?
6. What animal is animal #3?
a. How do you know?
7. Compare human and animal hair (similarities and differences)

Conclusion : Answer the problem.


Copyright Bronx Science 2001