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  • Weird Wings

Weird Wings

See how the combination of DNA mutations and temperature can change the shape of a fly's wings.


Where:   Gallery 4: Living Systems
Exhibit Developer:   Denise King, 2019

What’s going on?

These flies’ wings are shaped by genetics (DNA) and by their environment, in this case the temperature where they were raised.

The tiny-wing flies have a mutation that stunts the growth of the wings. But the final size of the wings also depends on the temperature in the lab where the flies lived. Cool temperatures lead to very tiny wings. Warmer temperature leads to pointy airplane wings.

The curly-wing flies also have a mutation; and the final outcome also depends on the temperature. At a higher temperature, the mutant wings are severely curled. At a lower temperature, they’re less curly.

In humans too, genes and the environment work together to shape our brains and bodies. You inherited genes from your parents that affect how tall you are, but nutrition and other factors also affected your height.

 
Keywords: model organisms, mutations, genetics, environment, nature/nurture, development
Aliases: Genetic Mutations, Mutant Fruit Flies, Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Collections: Cells to Self, Traits of Life

More to explore

Cells to Self
Cells to Self

Exploring how human cells move, communicate, and respond to their environment.

Mutant Fruit Flies
Mutant Fruit Flies

The fruit flies in this exhibit show just a few of the mutations that occur in natural fruit fly populations.

Traits of Life
Traits of Life

What are the essential elements of life? How can you distinguish between the living and nonliving world? What traits of life do all organisms share?

Finding Significance

Testing methods for encouraging meaning-making in a science museum

Related exhibits

Within 15 Minutes
Within 15 Minutes

Jigsaw puzzles of identical twins, swapping every other piece.  

Is It Genetic?
Is It Genetic?

How much does DNA affect your appearance?

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