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 ?

DNA barcoding uses standardized short genetic markers to identify species, making it highly effective for distinguishing morphologically similar organisms and detecting biological contaminants or mislabeling in processed foods (Statements 2 and 3). Statement 1 is incorrect because DNA barcoding identifies the taxonomic identity of a specimen rather than its chronological age, which typically requires methods like radiocarbon dating or dendrochronology. The core concept tested is the practical application of molecular biology in species identification and food safety.