This model allows students to explore the inheritance of bar eyes, yellow body color, and dumpy wings in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Students may gather data to infer whether these traits are dominant or recessive, sex-linked or autosomal. These traits are not often mentioned in the textbook, so teachers may use them to extend students’ understanding after learning about the common examples (e.g., white-eyed).

  • Grades: 6-12, College introductory biology

  • NGSS Standards: MS-LS3; HS-LS3