What does patent, contaminated, or visible prints refer to?

The correct choice refers to fingerprints that are made when fingers with some kind of contaminant, such as oil, sweat, or dirt, come into contact with a surface. These prints can be seen without any special processing or enhancement, making them "visible." When discussing evidence in a forensic context, these prints are crucial because they can provide concrete links to individuals.

Choices that focus on other aspects, such as moldable substances or marks on glass, may reflect different types of fingerprints or impressions but do not capture the essence of what is defined here. Fingerprints made from contaminants specifically emphasize the significance of the materials present on the fingers and how they interact with different surfaces to create identifiable impressions. In forensic investigations, recognizing these kinds of prints can be essential for establishing connections to a crime scene.