Evolutionary developmental biology, often abbreviated as evo-devo, is a field of study that explores the relationship between the development of organisms and their evolutionary processes. It examines how changes in developmental pathways can lead to the diversity of forms and functions seen in different species over time. By comparing the embryonic development of various organisms, scientists can identify genetic and environmental factors that influence evolution. This discipline integrates concepts from both evolutionary biology and developmental biology, focusing on how developmental mechanisms can drive evolutionary change. Researchers study genes, such as Hox genes, which play crucial roles in body plan organization, to understand how small genetic changes can result in significant morphological differences among species.