True or False: Fingerprints are formed from the friction ridges and can be left by natural oils.

Fingerprints are indeed formed from the friction ridges found on the skin, particularly on the fingertips. These friction ridges create unique patterns that can be used for identification purposes. The natural oils and sweat produced by the skin can leave behind fingerprints on various surfaces when a person touches an object. The presence of these oils is crucial; they help to transfer the ridge patterns onto different materials, making fingerprints recoverable.

The statements regarding limited conditions, such as only on certain surfaces or only if gloves are not worn, do not accurately capture the broader principles of fingerprinting. While it is true that the legibility and permanence of a fingerprint may vary depending on the surface (like paper, glass, or fabric), the basic principle remains that fingerprints can be left by natural oils regardless of the surface, as long as conditions permit. Therefore, the assertion that fingerprints can be formed and left by the natural oils of the skin is validated.