Fingerprint biometrics. Computer artwork of a hand (green), a finger tip (upper left), and symbols of men (blue) and women (pink). Fingerprints are the patterns of ridges on the tips of the fingers. They have combinations of features (examples are marked here by the crosses) that are unique to individuals, and can be used to identify them. It is one of the oldest forms of biometrics, the use of body measurements to identify people. The more recent forms of biometrics include eye scans. Such biometric data can be combined with personal information, such as gender, to form the basis of identity card systems.