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How many tastes can be detected by the tongue?

  1. 1-4

  2. 5-8

  3. 9-19

  4. 20-100

The correct answer is: 5-8

The number of tastes detected by the tongue can vary, but it is commonly believed that there are five primary tastes sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Some sources also mention a sixth taste, called "fat" or "oleogustus," which refers to the sensation of detecting fat or fatty acids. So, while the tongue can detect multiple tastes, research suggests that the most commonly recognized number of tastes is five or six. That is why options A, C, and D are incorrect. While some people may be able to detect more than six tastes, this is currently not widely accepted or supported by scientific evidence. Therefore, option B, 5-8, is the most accurate answer.