What type of bite is likely to be the clearest and most distinct?

A fresh bite into tissues containing lots of muscle is likely to be the clearest and most distinct due to the state of the injury and the characteristics of the surrounding tissue. Fresh bites present an active injury with well-defined edges and tissue that hasn't yet started the healing process, allowing for clearer impressions of the bite pattern, including the depth and contours associated with tooth marks. Muscle tissues also have a rich blood supply and distinct anatomical features, which can help in identifying specific bite characteristics and potentially linking them to a suspect.

In contrast, an old bite into damaged tissues typically lacks clarity because the area may have undergone significant healing, leading to distortion in the bite pattern and the softening of the tissue structure. Similarly, a bite from a non-human source may not provide the specific details needed for identification, as animal bites can differ greatly in size and shape, depending on the species. A bite that has healed over time also loses distinctiveness, as the healing process can smooth out the edges of the bite and alter the appearance, making it more challenging to analyze accurately.