Drosophila (fruit fly)

Drosophila, commonly known as the fruit fly, is a small insect often found near rotting fruit. It is widely used in scientific research, particularly genetics and developmental biology, because it has a short life cycle, reproduces quickly, and its genetics are well understood. These flies have contributed significantly to our knowledge of heredity, evolution, and disease. Scientists can easily manipulate their genes, making Drosophila a powerful model organism for studying complex biological processes that can also apply to humans. Their simple structure and rapid generation time make them ideal for laboratory experiments.