Suppose you want to develop a population of Drosophila that would rapidly learn to avoid certain substances the flies could detect by smell. Based on the heritability estimate you obtained in Problem 16, do you think it would be worth doing this by artificial selection? Why or why not?

Key Concepts

Heritability

Heritability is a measure of how much of the variation in a trait within a population can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals. It is expressed as a value between 0 and 1, where a higher value indicates a greater genetic contribution to the trait. Understanding heritability is crucial for predicting whether traits can be effectively altered through selective breeding.

Artificial Selection

Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed plants and animals for specific traits. This method relies on selecting individuals with desirable characteristics to reproduce, thereby increasing the frequency of those traits in future generations. Evaluating the feasibility of using artificial selection in Drosophila requires understanding the heritability of the learning behavior in question.

Learning and Memory in Drosophila

Drosophila, or fruit flies, are widely used in genetic studies due to their relatively simple nervous system and well-understood genetics. They exhibit various forms of learning and memory, particularly in response to olfactory cues. Investigating the genetic basis of these behaviors can inform whether artificial selection could effectively enhance their ability to learn to avoid certain substances.