Written by some of the most influential developmental biologists of this century, this is a new and revised edition of the best-selling textbook Principles of Development. It is designed for undergraduates and emphasizes principles and key concepts. Central to the authors approach is the idea that understanding how genes control cell behavior is the key to understanding development. They assume that students are familiar with the basics of cell biology and genetics but provide thorough explanations of all key concepts in the text, like the control of gene activity.

Resisting the temptation to cover every aspect of developmental biology, the authors have instead focused on those systems that best illuminate common principles. The theme of their book is that universal principles govern the of development. The text also focuses on vertebrates and Drosophila, but without excluding other systems, such as the nematode and the sea urchin. Another important feature of the book is the inclusion of the development of plants--usually neglected in other textbooks--which has unique and important features.