Drosophila melanogaster, a dipteran (two - winged) insect, is the species of fruit fly that is commonly used in genetic experiments; it is among the most important model organisms. (sciencedaily.com)
In addition to sequencing the 3 billion letters in the human genetic instruction book, researchers involved in the Human Genome Project have already sequenced the genomes of a number of important model organisms that are commonly used as surrogates in studying human biology. (genome.gov)
It is found in nearly all countries and, as the laboratory mouse, serves as an important model organism in biology; it is also a popular pet. (sciencedaily.com)