Final answer:
About 60% of human genes have clearly recognizable homologs in the fruit fly, showing significant genetic overlap between the two species.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of human genes with clearly recognizable homologs in the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is about 60%. This indicates that despite the vast evolutionary distance between humans and fruit flies, there is still a significant overlap in our genetic makeup. These genetic similarities have made fruit flies a valuable model in genetic research, as many discoveries in fruit fly genetics apply to humans too, especially concerning the basic mechanisms of genetics and inheritance, such as the patterns of inheritance for X-linked traits.