After eating grape lollipops, you and a friend notice your tongues have turned blue. With the change in color, it is easy to notice that there are many more papillae on your friend's tongue. Who is more likely to be a supertaster?
a. You are, because you have fewer, and therefore more distinct, papillae.
b. Your friend is, because she has many more papillae to taste with.
c. You are, because less dye stuck to your tongue allowing you taste more.
d. It could be either of you because super tasting is unrelated to the number of papillae.
Answer: B
Rationale: Although approximately 10,000 taste buds is the average number found in humans, there is wide variation among individuals. Some people may have many times this number.
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