Read these statements about a taxonomic key. How many are false ?
1. A taxonomic key is based on the contrasting characters generally in a pair called a couplet .
2. It is generally analytical.
3. It is a taxonomic and used for identification of plants only.
4. Only accepted statement in the key is called a lead.
(a) Two
(b) One
(c) Three
(d) Four

Options

A. Two
B. One
C. Three
D. Four

Answer

To determine how many statements about a taxonomic key are false, we will evaluate each statement one by one.

1. **Statement 1**: "A taxonomic key is based on the contrasting characters generally in a pair called a couplet."
- This statement is **true**. A taxonomic key does indeed use contrasting characters that are presented in pairs known as couplets.

2. **Statement 2**: "It is generally analytical."
- This statement is also **true**. Taxonomic keys are analytical as they help in breaking down the identification process into simpler steps.

3. **Statement 3**: "It is a taxonomic and used for identification of plants only."
- This statement is **false**. Taxonomic keys are used for the identification of both plants and animals, not just plants.

4. **Statement 4**: "Only accepted statement in the key is called a lead."
- This statement is **false**. In a taxonomic key, each statement is referred to as a lead, regardless of whether it is accepted or rejected.

Now, let's summarize the findings:
- True statements: 1 and 2
- False statements: 3 and 4

Thus, there are **2 false statements**.

The correct answer is **(a) Two**.