The fruit flies used in early spaceflight experiments belong to which species?

• A. Drosophila simulans
• B. Drosophila buzzatii
• C. Drosophila yakuba
• D. Drosophila melanogaster

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that this species has long been the go-to genetic model in biology, especially for studies on development and mutations, because it grows quickly, is easy to rear, and has a genome that’s been extensively mapped. In the earliest spaceflight experiments, researchers used this fly to examine how cosmic radiation might affect development and mutation rates. Its short generation time means you can observe multiple generations in a relatively short period, and the wealth of genetic tools and information makes it possible to link any observed effects to specific genes or chromosomes. The other Drosophila species listed are real relatives, but they did not become the standard for those early space biology studies; the iconic early spaceflight work specifically employed Drosophila melanogaster.