What is the primary visual characteristic used to identify loops, whorls, and arches?

The primary visual characteristic used to identify loops, whorls, and arches in fingerprint analysis is ridge patterns. Each fingerprint exhibits unique ridge formations, which help forensic experts categorize them into distinct patterns. Loops are identified by ridges that enter from one side of the finger, curve around, and exit on the same side. Whorls are characterized by circular or spiral formations, while arches have ridges that rise in the center and flow outwards. Understanding these ridge patterns is essential in forensic science for distinguishing between different fingerprint types and ultimately linking a fingerprint to an individual. The other options, such as texture, color, and size, do not play a significant role in the classification of these fingerprint patterns.