Consider the following statements :
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 ?

Correct Option: 2 and 3

DNA barcoding is a molecular diagnostic method that uses a short genetic marker in an organism's DNA to identify it as belonging to a particular species. It cannot assess the age of a plant or animal (Statement 1 is incorrect). However, it is highly effective to distinguish among species that look alike (cryptic species) (Statement 2 is correct) and to identify undesirable or substituted animal or plant materials in processed foods (Statement 3 is correct).