Question

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has four pairs of chromosomes, whereas the housefly Musca domestica has six pairs of chromosomes.

How many different combinations of chromosomes are possible in the gametes of the fruit fly? How many different combinations of chromosomes are possible in the gametes of the house fly? Based on chromosome number, in which species would you expect to see more genetic variation among the progeny?

Answer 1

A. The number of different combinations of chromosomes in the gametes of the fruit fly is 2^4 = 16.

B. The number of different combinations of chromosomes in the gametes of the house fly is 2^6 = 64.

C. Based on chromosome number, the house fly is likely to see more genetic variation among the progeny compared to the fruit fly due to the greater number of possible combinations of chromosomes in its gametes.