Question

Given below are two statements: Statement (i): A taxonomic character is a feature which is present in all appropriate specimens at appropriate time Statement (ii): The taxonomic characters should not show wide variation among specimens In light of the above statements choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (i) and Statement (ii) are true
• B. Both Statement (i) and Statement (ii) are false
• C. Statement (i) is true but Statement (ii) is false
• D. Statement (i) is false but Statement (ii) is true

Hint:

Modern taxonomy uses multivariate analysis of multiple characters to account for natural variation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Test Statement (i) with a counterexample, sexual dimorphism shows a character need not appear in every specimen, so (i) is false.
Step 2: Test Statement (ii), low intraspecific variation is a required property of a good taxonomic character, so (ii) is true.
Step 3: Correct answer, Statement (i) is false but Statement (ii) is true.