Which type of characteristics can only be associated with a group rather than a single source?

Class characteristics refer to features that are common to a group of objects or individuals, rather than unique to one specific source. This includes traits that can be attributed to a category or a set of data points that define a certain group, such as the tread pattern of a tire or the color and style of clothing. These characteristics can help in narrowing down potential sources but do not lead to individual identification.

For instance, if you have a shoeprint found at a crime scene, while it may match a specific brand and model of shoe worn by many individuals, it does not conclusively link it to a single individual without additional evidence such as individual characteristics, which are specific to one source. Individual characteristics are distinct traits that can be directly associated with an individual, whereas class characteristics point to a broader category. Understanding this distinction is crucial for crime scene investigation and for establishing links between evidence and potential suspects.