Final answer:
Model organisms are extensively studied to provide insights into human biology and have been used in research ranging from genetic studies to the development of treatments for diseases. Organisms like mice, fruit flies, and nematodes are examples widely used in such research, with sequenced genomes aiding in cross-species biological understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Model organisms play a crucial role in human biology research as they are used to understand biological phenomena with the expectation that findings will provide insights into human biology. These species, ranging from bacteria like E. coli to multicellular organisms such as mice, are researched extensively, allowing scientists to study diseases and their treatments in a way that minimizes risk to humans.
For example, the mouse Mus musculus has become an invaluable model for studying obesity related to high-fat diets, with its genome among the first of multicellular organisms to be sequenced. These sequenced genomes provide a wealth of information that aids in understanding biological processes across species.
C. elegans and yeast like Saccharomyces cerevisiae are also key model organisms that have furthered our understanding in areas such as developmental biology and genetics. Fungi like Neurospora crassa have been instrumental in genetic research, serving as simpler eukaryotic models that provide relevance to human biology.