Evolutionary Developmental Biology, often abbreviated as Evo-Devo, is a field of study that explores the relationship between the processes of evolution and development in organisms. It examines how changes in developmental processes can lead to the diversity of forms and functions seen in the natural world. By comparing the embryonic development of different species, researchers can identify genetic and environmental factors that influence evolutionary changes.
This discipline integrates concepts from genetics, morphology, and paleontology to understand how developmental pathways evolve over time. By studying model organisms, such as fruit flies and zebrafish, scientists can uncover the genetic mechanisms that drive both the similarities and differences among species, shedding light on the history of life on Earth.