During early stages of vertebrate embryo development, the embryos look

very similar across different species. They are typically small, transparent and have a simple body plan with a small number of cells. At this stage, it can be difficult to distinguish between embryos of different species based on external features alone. However, as development progresses, distinct characteristics begin to emerge that help differentiate between species. For example, the presence of specific structures such as the notochord or neural tube can help identify the embryo as a vertebrate. Additionally, the positioning of organs and the overall body shape can also provide clues to the identity of the developing organism.