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

Statement (i):
False: Taxonomic characters need not be present in all specimens (e.g., sexual dimorphism)
Statement (ii):
True: Good characters show minimal intraspecific variation

Answer 2

Testing each statement with a counterexample:
Statement (i) claims a taxonomic character must be present in all specimens at the appropriate time. This is falsified by common cases such as sexual dimorphism, where a useful diagnostic feature is not present in every individual, so statement (i) is false.
Statement (ii) requires that a good taxonomic character show minimal variation within the species so it can reliably separate one taxon from another, this is a standard, accepted criterion for character selection in taxonomy, making statement (ii) true.
Hence, statement (i) is false and statement (ii) is true.