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Drosophila is a genus of flies of the family Drosophilidae. It comprises over 1600 described species, [ 1 ] [ 2 ] but is estimated to have several thousands. [ 3 ] Alfred Sturtevant divided Drosophila into a number of subgenera , including Drosophila , Sophophora , and Dorsilopha .
The best known species of the Drosophilidae is Drosophila melanogaster, within the genus Drosophila, also called the "fruit fly." Drosophila melanogaster is used extensively for studies concerning genetics, development, physiology, ecology and behaviour. Many fundamental biological mechanisms were discovered first in D. melanogaster. [2]
Drosophila (/ d r ə ˈ s ɒ f ɪ l ə, d r ɒ-, d r oʊ-/ [1] [2]) is a genus of fly, belonging to the family Drosophilidae, whose members are often called "small fruit flies" or pomace flies, vinegar flies, or wine flies, a reference to the characteristic of many species to linger around overripe or rotting fruit.
Drosophila is sometimes referred to as a pest due to its tendency to live in human settlements where fermenting fruit is found. Flies may collect in homes, restaurants, stores, and other locations. [15] The name and behavior of this species of fly have led to the misconception that it is a biological security risk in Australia and
Most of these studies are limited to species of the genus Drosophila. The genus Drosophila is paraphyletic as several genera, such as Zaprionus, Scaptomyza and Lordiphosa, are positioned within the genus. Position of the bolded species in the phylogenetic tree is at least reasonably well supported by existing molecular evidence.
The antopocerus species group includes 15 species of flies, notable for their large adult body size and egg size, as well as the prominent antennae on males. [13] Antopocerus was previously considered as a distinct genus, before being sunk into the genus Drosophila based on their phylogenetic position within other Hawaiian lineages. [ 14 ]
Females can discriminate between males of different species, in part, by detecting species-specific differences in the male's courtship behavior. [2] When copulation does occur between different species, the hybrid progeny are often non-viable, sterile or fertile with lower fitness.
Homeobox (Hox) gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster. Drosophila melanogaster is an important model for understanding body plan generation and evolution. The general principles of Hox gene function and logic elucidated in flies will apply to all bilaterian organisms, including humans. Drosophila, like all insects, has eight Hox genes ...