Final answer:
The Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is commonly used as a model organism in genetics and developmental biology because of its historic use in this field, its similarity to humans in metabolizing alcohol, and the extensive genetic research applicable to human biology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which organism is often used as a model organism in genetics and developmental biology. The given options are: A) Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), B) Mouse (Mus musculus), C) Zebrafish (Danio rerio), D) Roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans). The correct answer is A) Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster).
Model organisms are nonhuman species that are extensively studied to understand biological phenomena with the expectation that discoveries made will provide insights into human biology. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been historically used in numerous genetic studies and in the study of developmental biology, such as pattern formation during organogenesis. Their genomic information and the fact that they metabolize alcohol similarly to humans have made them highly valuable in genetic research, including the study of genes affecting sensitivity to substances such as alcohol. Researchers are able to apply findings from studies on Drosophila to human biology, making it a commonly used model organism in genetics and developmental biology.