Interspecific relationships in the Drosophila mulleri group
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Date
1941
Authors
Crow, James F. (James Franklin), 1916-2012
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The genus Drosophila is particularly adapted to the study of species relationships, since its genetic and ontological possibilities are so well known, and numerous individuals from wild populations are easily available. Various population sizes and densities are represented and hence an unusual opportunity for the study of species differences is offered. Throughout the genus there are numerous subgroups with various cross-fertility relationships, indicating various levels of species differentiation. This work was carried out in connection with a series of similar studies dealing with different groups in the genus Drosophila being done at the University of Texas. In the mulleri group there are two members, representing large dense populations, that occupy the same area, while two other members are geographically isolated from these and from each other. All are related by some degree of cross-fertility so that a study of the isolating mechanisms of these forms makes possible a better knowledge of the nature of genetic relations between species