Final answer:
Saliva is not the main means of taste; that role belongs to the taste buds. Saliva acts as an initial digestive agent, a lubricant for food, and a cleansing fluid post-eating.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "It is the main means of taste" is not a role of saliva.
While saliva does facilitate the sensation of taste by dissolving tastants so they can interact with taste receptors, it is not the main means of taste itself. Taste is primarily the function of the taste buds on the tongue. Conversely, saliva does act as the initial step of digestion through the enzyme salivary amylase, which begins the breakdown of carbohydrates. Saliva also serves as a lubricant for food, forming a bolus that can be swallowed easily. Lastly, it acts as a cleansing fluid after eating by washing away food particles and reducing bacterial growth in the mouth.