Selection for digging behavior in Drosophila melanogaster larvae

Abstract

The genetics of the digging behavior of Drosophila melanogaster larvae was studied through selective breeding. Selection for low digging activity was successful, but selection for high digging activity was not. Selection for low and high digging activity affected another behavior, namely the choice of a pupation site. Digging behavior appears to be under polygenic control. © 1978 Plenum Publishing Corporation.