The role of models in science: an experience with Drosophila

Model organisms play an important role in conveying biological concepts. They are more amenable to asking certain questions due to their simplicity of structure and features. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been the most popular eukaryotic organism used in classrooms, with a short life cycle of two weeks, making it possible to study numerous generations in a short period. The use of Drosophila is a powerful tool also in teaching Life Sciences. In fact, it allows the observation of sexual dimorphism, of mutants and of the life cycle