Using Foraging Behavior of Fruit Flies to Introduce Undergraduates to Research

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2011, Volume 32

Jimena Aracena

Abstract

This mini-workshop introduces methods to study foraging behavior of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as an ideal area of research for undergraduates in both beginning and advanced biology courses. The methodology discussed is cheap and requires only a basic background in biology. The questions that students can ask using these methods include ecology, behavior, physiology, genetics, and evolution. The types of experiments lend themselves to formulate clear hypotheses and predictions and to learn statistical analysis. Instructors can use these methods in stand-alone short experiments in various biology courses, or to start long-term research projects.

Keywords:  fruit fly, behavior, foraging activity

Dalhousie University (2010)