Special section: evolutionary biology

Abstract

Variations in the population at any given time. This brings faster evolutionary responses. Also, in ecology, we need a more complex system than E. coli. Understanding of adaptation to crowding, competition and evolution of competitive ability has played a great role in forming ecological theories. Competition in E. coli does not relate well to the theory as it was made keeping in mind plants and animals. Fruit flies are therefore convenient and it is inexpensive to handle even large populations. It is labour-intensive work and does not require any fancy, expensive equipment. All you will find in my laboratory are vials, dissection microscopes and a couple of incubators. The only high-tech instrument we use is our brains.