The session focused on analyzing fruit fly (Drosophila) behavior and preferences using controlled experimental setups conducted across different locations. @Arunan @KiranKalakotiR @Theertha @nayanjyothi @Enas_188 @sakshiconsultant2002 @akanksha @2020ugchsncnseethala @ajitha @Sanika
Experiment 1: Aging of Fruits
Images from 21.06.2025 and 24.06.2025 depicted banana, lemon, orange, and tomato slices aged ~100 hours.
Observable changes in texture, color, and fungal growth suggested decomposition progression and potential release of volatiles that attract fruit flies.
Experiment 2: Fruit Preference Test
Set up on 23.06.2025 at 5:30 pm.
Objective : To determine which fruit or food item is most preferred by fruit flies.
Foods tested: Tomato, Cucumber, Onion.
Locations : Kitchen Window and Study Hall Window.
Visual scoring used to represent fruit fly attraction at each site, suggesting cucumber as potentially more attractive than others.
Observation of Drosophila Species
Dated 27.06.2025, this slide identified potential species based on visible traits:
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D. melanogaster (red eye observed)
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D. suzukii
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D. simulans
Differences in physical characteristics ( like eye color and size ) were discussed for field-level identification.
Mapping the Experiment Location
A map illustrated the geographical setup of a related experiment by Sanika in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Fruits used : Tomato, Lemon, Banana, Orange.
This offers a global context to the fruit preference test, indicating cross-location interest in Drosophila behavior.
Queries for Further Discussion :
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Why might cucumber be more attractive to fruit flies than tomato or onion? Could it be due to sugar content, moisture, or aroma?
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What environmental differences ( e.g., light, temperature ) exist between the kitchen window and study hall window that might affect fly preferences?
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Are there any specific signs to reliably distinguish D. melanogaster from D. suzukii in field conditions without a microscope?
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How might the age of the fruit ( as seen in 100-hour-old samples ) influence the number and type of fruit flies attracted?
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What measures were taken to ensure consistency across different observation sites ( e.g., same fruit cut, same exposure time )?
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