The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms
How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology
- 1st Edition - September 1, 2026
- Latest edition
- Author: Josph Travis
- Language: English
The Triumph of Biology's Model Organisms: How Flies, Mice, and Slime Molds Became Teachers of Biology provides an exploration on how seemingly ordinary organi… Read more
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.
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
Advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying evolutionary biology; early medical students
1. What Is a Model Organism?
2. What Does Evolution have to do with Model Organisms?
3. Wise or Lucky?
4. From Villains to Heroes
5. Exploiting Extreme Features
6. Curiosity, Serendipity, and Discovery
7. New Models, Old Problems, and New Insights
8. New Ways to Learn from Old Models Epilogue
2. What Does Evolution have to do with Model Organisms?
3. Wise or Lucky?
4. From Villains to Heroes
5. Exploiting Extreme Features
6. Curiosity, Serendipity, and Discovery
7. New Models, Old Problems, and New Insights
8. New Ways to Learn from Old Models Epilogue
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: September 1, 2026
- Language: English
JT
Josph Travis
Dr. Joseph Travis is the Robert O. Lawton Professor Emeritus within Florida State University’s Department of Biological Science. He obtained his BA in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and his PhD in Zoology from Duke University. He is an evolutionary biologist and ecologist whose research spans bird, amphibian, fish, and plant taxa and topics including patterns of inheritance, evolutionary relationships, and predator-prey dynamics. He has published extensively on topics in history and education in biology, including the use of model organisms, the role of natural history in science, and the history of population genetics. He brings more than 40 years of teaching experience to the project, from advanced undergraduate students to medical students.
Affiliations and expertise
Robert O. Lawson Professor Emeritus, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA