Which term refers to the unique characteristics found in an individual's DNA?

The term that refers to the unique characteristics found in an individual's DNA is DNA fingerprinting. This method is used to identify individuals based on the distinctive patterns in their DNA. DNA fingerprinting focuses on specific regions in the DNA that vary greatly among individuals. These regions are often non-coding and repeat sequences, which provide a high degree of variability among different people.

DNA fingerprinting has significant applications in forensic science, paternity testing, and genetic identity verification. When comparing DNA from different individuals, the unique patterns or "fingerprints" provide a reliable way to differentiate one individual from another.

In contrast, DNA sequencing is about determining the exact sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule rather than identifying uniqueness compared to others. DNA mapping involves outlining the location of genes on chromosomes, while genetic testing is a broader term that may involve analyzing genes for health-related conditions or genetic diseases, but doesn't directly refer to the unique identification aspect of an individual's DNA.