Since it is too time consuming to study the parameters that affect the dynamics of growth of the human population, Drosophila have been chosen as the experimental organism. The basic features of growth and development of Drosophila have been studied in the laboratory. The fruit fly is a small organism, easy to rear and to count, with a short life cycle. One fact to consider is that the female lays for only about 5 days and then tapers off.
Many variables affect the population dynamics of growth.
This investigation will deal with variation in density of females, composition of food sources, and in environmenal factors such a temperature and light. Other factors can be considered and pursued. Heat gently to boiling to dissolve the agar. Pour into petri dishes so that eaach dish contains about 20-25ml of agar. Let the plates cool and solidify.