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?

1. Assess the age of a plant or animal — Incorrect. DNA barcoding is used for species identification using short genetic sequences; it does not determine the age of an organism.

2. Distinguish among species that look alike — Correct. A core use of DNA barcoding is to separate morphologically similar or cryptic species.

3. Identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods — Correct. DNA barcoding can detect species composition in food products and reveal adulteration or contamination.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.