1. Correct Answer: Option B: The Question can be answered by using either Statement alone.
 2. Explanation:
     Let's denote the ages of the children as \( a, b, c, d, e \) where \( a < b < c < d < e \) and each successive age differs by 2 years. Therefore, we can express the ages in terms of \( a \) as follows:
         ○ \( b = a + 2 \)
         ○ \( c = a + 4 \)
         ○ \( d = a + 6 \)
         ○ \( e = a + 8 \)
     Statement 1: The age of the eldest is 3 times the youngest.
         ○ According to this statement, \( e = 3a \).
         ○ Substituting \( e = a + 8 \) into the equation, we get:
       \[
       a + 8 = 3a
       \]
       \[
       8 = 2a
       \]
       \[
       a = 4
       \]
         ○ Thus, the age of the youngest child is 4 years.
     Statement 2: The average age of the children is 8 years.
         ○ The average age is given by:
       \[
       \frac{a + (a + 2) + (a + 4) + (a + 6) + (a + 8)}{5} = 8
       \]
       \[
       \frac{5a + 20}{5} = 8
       \]
       \[
       5a + 20 = 40
       \]
       \[
       5a = 20
       \]
       \[
       a = 4
       \]
         ○ Again, the age of the youngest child is 4 years.
     Both statements independently lead to the conclusion that the age of the youngest child is 4 years. Therefore, the question can be answered by using either statement alone.