What type of evidence is particularly fragile and requires preservation at a crime scene?

Short-lived evidence is particularly fragile because it can easily degrade or be altered over time due to environmental factors or human interaction. Examples of this type of evidence include biological materials like footprints, fingerprints, trace evidence, or other forms that could be influenced by weather, animal activity, or simple handling. Preserving such evidence swiftly and carefully at the crime scene is crucial to maintain its integrity for later analysis.

While written documents, digital recordings, and physical property may also be significant forms of evidence, they do not possess the same level of fragility as short-lived evidence. For instance, written documents can often withstand manipulation longer than biological evidence, and while digital recordings can be impacted by technical issues, they do not typically degrade in the same immediate and sensitive manner as certain physical traces from a crime scene. Thus, recognizing and prioritizing the preservation of short-lived evidence is essential for any effective investigation.