The classes of fingerprints in man are

Analyze the question: The question asks for the classes (types) of fingerprints in humans. This is a topic under heredity and variation, where fingerprints are used as an example of variation and for identification.

Concept: Fingerprints are the ridge patterns on the tips of our fingers. They are unique to each person, even identical twins. In the classification used in WASSCE Biology, the main pattern types are:

• Arch: ridges run across the finger and rise in the middle like a hill.
• Loop: ridges enter from one side, curve around, and leave on the same side.
• Whorl: ridges form circular or spiral patterns.
• Composite/Compound: a mixture of two or more of the above patterns, for example a double loop.

Checking the options:

• A. "Alternate" and "opposite" are terms for leaf arrangement (phyllotaxy) in plants, not fingerprints. ✗
• B. "Alternate" is again a plant term. It also leaves out arch. ✗
• C. Whorl, arch, compound and loop all fit the WASSCE classification. ✓
• D. "Simple" and "opposite" are not fingerprint classes. ✗

Answer: Option C.

Exam tip: Remember "WALC": Whorl, Arch, Loop, Compound. Whenever you see words like "opposite" or "alternate", think of leaves, not fingerprints.