Question

Write the scientific name of the fruit-fly. Why did Morgan prefer to work with fruit-flies for his experiments? State any three reasons.

Answer 1

The scientific name of fruit fly is Drosophila melanogaster. Morgan preferred to work with fruit fly for his experiments because

(i) It is simple and convenient to breed under laboratory conditions throughout the year.

(ii) Its generation time is only 10–12 days.

(iii) It breeds quickly and prolifically and so produces large progeny after each mating.

(iv) Its contrasting features are easily observable.