The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms

How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology

Joseph Travis

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2026
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• eBook ISBN:
  9780443443688
• Subtopic: Zoology
• Index: Biological Sciences

The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms: How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology provides an exploration on how seemingly ordinary organisms—flies, mice, slime molds, and more—have become central to scientific discovery. The book addresses the need to connect the stories of these organisms to broad advances in fundamental and biomedical science, providing readers with an appreciation for how curiosity-driven research translates into practical outcomes. Spanning a diverse array of species, it examines what makes an organism a model, the evolutionary principles underlying their utility, and the blend of wisdom and luck that led to their selection.Through compelling case studies and featured scientist reflections, chapters invite readers to critically examine how model organisms are chosen and why they matter. Readers will discover the pivotal roles of classic models like Drosophila and Neurospora, the transformation of pests into research heroes, and how extreme biological features have been harnessed to solve enduring questions. This book equips advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and historical significance of model organisms. - Illustrates the critical role of model organisms in biological discovery and evolutionary biology - Integrates case studies and scientific perspectives to foster critical thinking and engagement - Connects the evolutionary biology of model organisms to research applications - Highlights the interplay of luck, design, and serendipity in scientific discovery

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Copyright
• Contents
• About the Author
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction: Why this book?
• CHAPTER 1 What is a model organism?
• CHAPTER 2 What does evolution have to do with model organisms?
• CHAPTER 3 Wise or lucky?
• CHAPTER 4 From villains to heroes
• CHAPTER 5 Exploiting extreme features
• CHAPTER 6 Curiosity, serendipity, and discovery
• CHAPTER 7 New models, old problems, and new insights
• CHAPTER 8 When animal models fail
• CHAPTER 9 New ways to learn from old models
• Index