Laboratory selection experiments using Drosophila, and other organisms, are
widely used in experimental biology. In particular, such experiments on D.
melanogaster life history and stress-related traits have been instrumental
in developing the emerging field of experimental evolution. However, simil
ar selection experiments often produce inconsistent correlated responses to
selection. Unfortunately, selection experiments are vulnerable to artifact
s that are difficult to control. In spite of these problems, selection expe
riments are a valuable research tool and can contribute to our understandin
g of evolution in natural populations.