What information can a DNA fingerprint provide?

A DNA fingerprint can provide crucial information regarding the parentage of an individual, making it possible to determine maternity or paternity. This is because a DNA fingerprint analyzes specific regions of DNA that are inherited from both parents. By comparing the DNA profiles of a child with those of the alleged parents, it is possible to identify whether there is a biological relationship. The distinct patterns in the DNA, which are unique to individuals (except for identical twins), allow scientists to confirm or exclude potential parents with high accuracy.

This ability to establish family relationships is particularly significant in fields such as forensic science, genealogy, and medical research. In contrast, the other options do not pertain to the genetic analysis that a DNA fingerprint provides, as they either relate to non-genetic traits or external factors not determined through DNA profiling.