Which biometric characteristic might be used for identification in electronic access control?

Biometric characteristics are unique, measurable traits that can be used for identification and verification of individuals, making them highly suitable for electronic access control systems. Among the choices provided, fingerprints stand out as a reliable biometric identifier. Every individual has unique fingerprints, and they remain consistent over a person's lifetime, making them an excellent choice for secure access control.

Unlike fingerprints, the other options—height, dress size, and hair color—lack distinctiveness and consistency. Height can vary throughout a person's life due to factors like aging or health; dress size can change based on various circumstances, including weight fluctuations; and hair color may change with time or due to personal choices. These traits do not provide the uniqueness or reliability necessary for identification purposes, making them unsuitable for effective electronic access control.

In contrast, fingerprint recognition technology has advanced significantly and is widely used in various security applications, such as smartphones, secure facilities, and identity verification systems, ensuring that the right individuals gain access while unauthorized users are kept out. Thus, fingerprints are a fundamental characteristic in biometric identification and access control systems.