Abstract
This chapter discusses the genetic and molecular analysis of Drosophila behavior. The chapter reviews the recent studies in the field of genetic and molecular analysis of Drosophila behavior by using examples in which progress is made in understanding both complex and relatively simpler behavioral phenotypes. The chapter includes studies on the visual system, olfaction and contact chemoreception, learning, courtship behavior, and biological rhythms. The overlap among these systems can become evident and appears as progress through the literature. The genetic analysis of Drosophila behavior is an area that has attracted some attention over the past three decades. It is understandable perhaps that most bona fide geneticists and molecular biologists working in the area would prefer to work with much simpler phenotypes, rather than the highly complex behavioral patterns that the fly can produce. Nevertheless, their efforts are beginning to reveal some of the underlying mechanisms that determine how the nervous system functions, with obvious implications for those who are more interested in behavior.