What are the two key characteristics of friction ridges that make them reliable for identification?

The correct answer highlights that friction ridges, which include fingerprints, are formed on the hands and feet at birth and remain unchanged throughout a person's life. This characteristic contributes to their reliability for identification purposes. The uniqueness of friction ridge patterns is a critical factor; no two individuals have the same fingerprint patterns, and this steadfastness aids law enforcement and forensic science in accurately identifying individuals.

When discussing the other options, it's evident that they do not reflect the true nature of friction ridges. While some methods like UV light can be used in forensic investigations, the visibility of ridges under UV light is not a characteristic that contributes to their uniqueness or reliability. The notion of friction ridges changing during one’s life contradicts the stability of these patterns, which are a permanent feature post-birth. Furthermore, the idea that friction ridges can be easily replicated undermines their uniqueness, which is essential for identification. Lastly, asserting that friction ridges are consistent across all species fails to recognize that while certain features may be similar among species, the specific patterns are unique to humans, further reinforcing their role in personal identification.