Which term refers to characteristics that are not unique but are common to a particular group?

The term that refers to characteristics that are not unique but are common to a particular group is "class characteristics." Class characteristics are traits or features that can be attributed to a group of objects or individuals, rather than a specific one. This notion is often utilized in fields such as forensic science, where these characteristics help in linking evidence to a broader category, as opposed to pinpointing a specific source.

For example, in forensic analysis, class characteristics might include aspects like the tread pattern of a shoe or the composition of a material, which can identify similarities among a collection of items, but do not identify one singular item or source. This is crucial in investigations where understanding the connections within a group can lead to identifying potential matches and providing leads.

Other terms in the choices highlight different dimensions. Individual characteristics refer to unique traits that identify a specific person or object, while exclusive characteristics imply traits that distinguish one item from all others without acknowledging commonality. General characteristics might indicate broad traits but lack the specificity that class characteristics provide in forensic contexts.