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*Corresponding authors’ E-mail : vundelaswathi2024@protonmail.com; Orcid Id : 0009-0009-4991-1511
Present study explores how environmental factors, population dynamics, and evolutionary processes shape the genetic diversity of Drosophila with a focus on different natural and urban habitats. We outline the significance of studying Drosophila in its natural environment and the evolutionary mechanisms that maintain genetic variation. The case studies and genetic analyses showcasing the variability of genetic markers (e.g., microsatellites, SNPs) and population structures of Drosophila from varied ecological niches. We examine gene flow, genetic drift, and natural selection as key drivers of population divergence and structure and our findings highlights the adaptive potential of D. melanogaster to diverse ecological conditions and the relevance of these findings to broader evolutionary studies. As human activities and climate change continue to alter ecological landscapes, understanding how genetic diversity and population structure respond is critical for both conservation and evolutionary biology.
Adaptation, Drosophila melanogaster, Ecological niches, Gene flow, Genetic diversity, Genetic drift, Dispersal, Phenotypic plasticity, Population structure