Fingerprints are unique patterns formed by the ridges and grooves on the tips of human fingers. These patterns are created during fetal development and remain unchanged throughout a person's life, making them a reliable means of identification. Each person's fingerprints are distinct, even among identical twins. The study of fingerprints is known as dactyloscopy, and it is widely used in forensic science for criminal investigations. Law enforcement agencies often use fingerprint analysis to match prints found at crime scenes with those in databases, helping to identify suspects and solve cases.