What are minutiae points in fingerprints?

Minutiae points in fingerprints are the small, unique features that help distinguish one fingerprint from another. They include characteristics such as ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots, which contribute to the overall pattern of the fingerprint. These points are crucial in forensic science and biometric identification, as they provide a detailed and specific framework for matching fingerprints. The unique arrangement and number of minutiae points make each fingerprint distinct, even among identical twins.