DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to analyze an organism's unique DNA composition as a characteristic marker. It works by examining variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) in DNA, which provide a scientific marker for identity. The two main methods are Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), which cuts, sorts, and photographs DNA fragments, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which amplifies a small DNA sample. DNA fingerprinting is used to identify suspects in criminal cases like murders and rapes, determine parentage in legal disputes, and study non-human samples like wildlife crimes.