Can google read links in a drop down menu?

My website has a long list of categories running down the left column and I'd like to replace it with a simple drop down menu to save space. I was thinking about doing something like this:

<select>
<option value="http://mysite.com/category-1.html" >Category 1</option>
<option value="http://mysite.com/category-2.html" >Category 2</option>
</select>

Code (markup):

My concern is that Google (and other SEs) won't be able to follow these links and it will really hurt my search engine rankings. Does anyone know if google will be able to follow these links?

Thanks!

 

yes. google reads links from drop down menu.

 

sure it can read

 

Google bot sees the webpage just in code so it can parse almost everything beside flash.

 

Google only sees the text , it just can't see the code, no javascript no animation no images. instead it reads descriptions, titles. headings and things like that

 

of cuz Google can read it. if you use drop menu, pls make sure you organize correct, then Google can rank your links itself.

 

And I believe you know the importance of anchor text

 

Yes definitely. When you have any issue about how spider see your website. You can check your website using www.seo-browser.com.

 

Of course, Google sees your link and any content on the web page, except java script or flashy stuffs..

 

Yes Google always read links in a drop down menu. Even Google read your hidden links also.