Context:
New research shows that a fork fern species, called Tmesipteris oblanceolata, has a genome that is 7% larger than that of the previous record-holder, the Japanese flowering plant Paris japonica, and more than 50 times the size of the human genome.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Tmesipteris oblanceolate:
Habitat and Distribution:
- A rare species of fern growing primarily on the ground or atop fallen tree trunks.
- Found on the island nation of New Caledonia (an overseas French territory in the Southwest Pacific) and neighboring islands such as Vanuatu.
Physical Characteristics:
- A small plant, typically 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) in height.
Genomic Significance:
- Holds a record-breaking genome size of 160.45 billion base pairs (Gbp).
- This is 11 billion more than the previous record holder, the Japanese flowering plant Paris japonica, and 50 times more than the human genome.
- If stretched out, the DNA in each cell of this fern would extend nearly 350 feet (106 meters), while the human genome would extend only about 6-1/2 feet (2 meters).
Evolutionary Background:
- Tmesipteris is a small genus of ferns whose ancestors evolved about 350 million years ago, well before dinosaurs set foot on Earth.
Habitat Characteristics:
- Distinguished by its mainly epiphytic habit, meaning it grows mainly on the trunks and branches of trees.
- Has a restricted distribution in Oceania and several Pacific Islands.
What are Ferns?
General Characteristics:
- Plants that do not have flowers.
- Have roots, stems, and leaves similar to flowering plants.
Reproduction:
- Unlike flowering plants, ferns do not have flowers or seeds.
- They usually reproduce sexually by tiny spores or can sometimes reproduce vegetatively.
-Source: The Hindu
