Which question best explains the presence of latent prints at a crime scene?

The presence of latent prints at a crime scene can be best explained by understanding the composition of fingerprint residue, which is the focus of the correct answer. Fingerprint residue consists of oils, sweat, and other substances that are naturally present on the skin, and these elements leave distinct patterns when a finger comes into contact with a surface. This chemical composition is crucial because it helps forensic scientists determine how prints can be developed and identified at a crime scene.

Grasping the elements that make up fingerprint residue is fundamental to understanding why latent prints can be preserved on various surfaces and how environmental factors may affect their visibility. This knowledge aids in the formulation of methods for recovering these prints, which is a crucial part of forensic investigation.

The other options, while relevant to the overall topic of latent prints, do not address the intrinsic characteristics that allow for the understanding of their presence and subsequent analysis as effectively as the composition of the residue itself.