How many different odors can humans typically distinguish between?

• A. About 10,000
• B. About 1 trillion
• C. About 1,000
• D. About 100,000

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the olfactory system, which is responsible for the sense of smell. The olfactory receptors in the nose detect odor molecules.
2. Consider the complexity of the olfactory receptors. Humans have hundreds of different types of olfactory receptors, each capable of detecting different odor molecules.
3. Recognize that the combination of these receptors allows humans to distinguish a vast number of different odors. Each odor is a unique combination of molecules that can activate multiple receptors.
4. Explore the concept of combinatorial coding in the olfactory system. This means that different combinations of activated receptors can lead to the perception of different odors.
5. Reflect on recent scientific studies that suggest humans can distinguish between approximately 1 trillion different odors, far more than previously thought.