There's an organism with almost 1000 more chromosomes than ANY other known organism. What is it, and how do humans compare?

Chromosomes are organized structures of DNA and proteins that are found in cells of almost all living organisms. DNA, of course, contains the specific instructions that make each type of living creature unique. The number of chromosomes an organism has doesn't really mean much as far as intelligence or complexity, but it's interesting to see the vast range that exists.

The genus Ophioglossum reticulatum, more commonly known as Adders-tongue, holds the title of the most chromosomes with a whopping 1,260! That's by far the highest number of any known organism.

So what is an Adders tongue? It's a type of fern that grows mainly in tropical and subtropical climates. The name "Adders-tongue" is Greek and means "devils tongue." It gets this name from its spore-bearing stalk that resembles the tongue of a snake.

The highest chromosome count after these ferns? That title belongs to the Agrodiaetus butterfly with 268. That's 992 less than the Adders-tongue. Humans, by comparison, have only 46.

Humans have fewer chromosomes than a large number of organisms. Shrimp, pigeons, turkeys, chickens, sheep and potatoes all have more chromosomes than humans, and those are just a few of many. So what about some of our favorite companions? Dogs have 39, which just beats out cats at 38.

Scientists estimate that two-thirds of species have yet to be categorized. With so many yet undiscovered, could a rival to Adders-tongue be out there?

(Source)