Consider the following statements: DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:

Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2022) 

DNA Barcoding can be a tool to:

1. assess the age of a plant or animal.
2. distinguish among species that look alike.
3. identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 2
4. 2 and 3

Answer: D

Explanation: 

DNA barcoding is a technique that uses a short, standardized region of DNA to identify and differentiate species. It is widely used in taxonomy, biodiversity studies, and food authentication.

• Statement 1 is incorrect: DNA barcoding cannot be used to assess the age of a plant or animal. Age determination requires different biological or ecological methods such as growth rings, radiocarbon dating, or morphological indicators, not DNA sequence comparison.
• Statement 2 is correct: DNA barcoding is especially useful in distinguishing among species that are morphologically similar (cryptic species) but genetically distinct.

Statement 3 is correct: DNA barcoding can identify undesirable or adulterant plant and animal materials in processed foods, even when the original material is no longer recognizable (e.g., detecting mislabelled fish or meat products).

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