UPSC Prelims 2014 Q66: Science & Technology – Computer & Information Technology
In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric
identification of a person?
1. Iris scanning
2. Retinal scanning
3. Voice recognition
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Biometric identification
Biometrics identifies a person by a body feature or behaviour that is unique to them.
| Method | Usable for biometric identification? | What is read |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint scanning | Yes (given in the question) | Ridges on the fingertip |
| 1. Iris scanning | Yes | Pattern of the coloured ring of the eye |
| 2. Retinal scanning | Yes | Pattern of blood vessels at the back of the eye |
| 3. Voice recognition | Yes | Pitch and tone of the voice |
Types of biometrics:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physiological | Fingerprint, iris, retina, face, palm, DNA |
| Behavioural | Voice, signature, typing rhythm, gait |
Aadhaar uses fingerprints, iris scans and a face photograph.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Retinal scanning and voice recognition are also biometric methods.
- (b) Incorrect. Iris scanning is also a biometric method.
- (c) Incorrect. Retinal scanning is also used for identification.
- (d) CORRECT. Iris scanning, retinal scanning and voice recognition are all biometric methods.
Key point
Biometrics: fingerprint, iris, retina, face, DNA (physiological) and voice, signature, gait (behavioural). Aadhaar uses fingerprints, iris and face.
Remember
Biometrics: finger, iris, retina, face, voice.
Common mistakes
- Treating iris and retina scans as the same thing.
- Thinking voice is too changeable to be biometric.
- Forgetting that Aadhaar does not use retina scans, only iris.
Exam tip
Iris = front of the eye. Retina = back of the eye. Both are biometric.
Sources
- Unique Identification Authority of India — Aadhaar biometric standards
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology — Biometric standards for e-governance