vertebrate development

Vertebrate development involves a series of complex stages starting from a fertilized egg, which divides and grows into an embryo. During this process, cells differentiate into various specialized types—such as nerve, muscle, and skin cells—forming tissues and organs. The embryo develops structures like the spine, limbs, and internal organs in an organized sequence. As it matures, the organism undergoes growth, refinement, and structural changes, ultimately becoming a fully formed, functioning vertebrate with a backbone, a nervous system, and other specialized systems. This intricate process is guided by genetic information and environmental factors working together.