Fruit Flies (Drosophila Melanogaster)

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Drosophila melanogaster is a species of fly (the taxonomic order Diptera) in the family Drosophilidae. The species is often referred to as the fruit fly or lesser fruit fly. Starting with Charles W. Woodworth's 1901 proposal of the use of this species as a model organism,[1][2] D. melanogaster continues to be widely used for biological research in genetics, physiology, microbial pathogenesis, and life history evolution. As of 2017, six Nobel Prizes have been awarded to drosophilists for their work using the insect.[3][4]

D. melanogaster is typically used in research owing to its rapid life cycle, relatively simple genetics with only four pairs of chromosomes, and large number of offspring per generation.[5] It was originally an African species, with all non-African lineages having a common origin.[6] Its geographic range includes all continents, including islands.[7] D. melanogaster is a common pest in homes, restaurants, and other places where food is served.[8]

See Also

References

  1. T.H. Morgan's Nobel Prize biography mentioning C. W. Woodworth
  2. Holden B; "Charles W. Woodworth: The Remarkable Life of U.C.'s First Entomologist" , ISBN: 9780986410536
  3. Nobel Prizes, https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/oct/07/fruit-fly-fascination-nobel-prizes-genetics
  4. FruitFly-ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321176879
  5. Template:cite encyclopedia
  6. Vinegar Flies, Drosophila species, Family: Drosophilidae, http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/vinegar-flies

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