At what point in a person's development does the initial formation of friction ridges occur?

The initial formation of friction ridges occurs during the early stages of fetal life, specifically between the 10th and 16th weeks of gestation. During this critical period, the unique patterns that will later be observed in fingerprints begin to develop in the skin on the fingers and toes. This development is a complex process influenced by genetic factors, the intrauterine environment, and mechanical forces.

Friction ridges play an important role in enhancing our ability to grip and touch, and their unique patterns are established well before a baby is born. Understanding this timeline is vital for those studying latent prints, as it highlights the formation of these distinctive skin patterns is intrinsic to an individual and remains largely unchanged throughout life, barring any significant injuries or skin conditions.

Other choices suggest that the formation occurs after this critical period when, in fact, the foundational blueprint of fingerprints is established early in fetal life. The uniqueness of each individual's fingerprints is ensured by the variability in these developmental processes, which do not occur at the later stages suggested by the other choices.