Vertebrate embryos

Vertebrate embryos are the early stages of development in animals that belong to the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata. These embryos develop from a single cell after fertilization and undergo a series of well-defined stages before they hatch or are born. During embryonic development, the cells differentiate and specialize to form the various organs and tissues of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, heart, and limbs. In vertebrates, the embryonic stage typically ends at birth, although some species undergo additional postnatal development. The study of vertebrate embryos is crucial for understanding the evolutionary history and biological processes that shape the development of complex organisms.