How Sequencia Serrata Was Discovered

Sequencia serrata is a plant species that belongs to the genus Sequencia. It is actually the only member of that genus, as far as scientists presently know. Sequencia serrata belongs to the Bromeliaceae family and is an angiosperm plant. It also falls into the subfamily Pitcairnioideae and is one of approximately 1000 species and 16 genera in this classification. Those who study botany often wonder how Sequencia serrata was discovered, since it is the only species in its genus. The story is actually quite simple.

DNA studies

In modern times, scientists rely on DNA to determine whether two species are related and how closely. While studying the evolutionary history of bromeliads, a team led by Thomas J. Givnish of the University of Wisconsin examined Sequencia serrata's DNA and compared it to that of dozens of similar plant species. The scientists discovered that the plant shared many similarities with other members of the Pitcairnioideae subfamily, but the plant's DNA was not similar enough to that of any one genus to allow its inclusion in a preexisting genus. Thus, scientists placed the plant in its own genus, called "Sequencia" in recognition of the role DNA sequencing played, and gave it the species name "serrata" because of the serrations on its leaves.

Plant characteristics

Plant characteristics are also taken into account when identifying a new species. Characteristics of its flowers, ovary, sepals, leaves and other components helped the scientists differentiate Sequencia serrata from plants in related genera. Like most Pitcairnioideae, Sequencia serrata has small, bicaudate seeds. It grows upon certain sandstone mesetas, or plateaus, in Colombia, and it has many adaptations that allow it to survive tough weather conditions.

Classifying new plants is not always an easy job, but it is necessary when scientists discover a new species. Through DNA sequencing and careful comparison to related plants, scientists discovered that Sequencia serrata's characteristics are unique enough to comprise an entirely new genus.