Comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to all aspects of developmental biology.Includes new chapters on Evolution & Development, Gut Development, & Growth and Aging.Contains expanded treatment of mammalian fertilization, the heart and stem cells.Now features a glossary, notated further reading, and key discovery boxes.Illustrated with over 250 detailed, full-color drawings.Accompanied by a devoted website, featuring animated developmental processes, and all art in PowerPoint and jpeg formats (also available to instructors on CD-ROM).Essential Developmental Biology is a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to all aspects of developmental biology. Written in a clear and accessible style, the second edition of this popular textbook has been expanded and updated to include:new chapters on evolution and development, gut development, and growth and agingextended treatment of mammalian fertilization, the heart, and stem cellsa glossary, further reading arranged by subject, and boxes featuring classic experiments and key directions for research.In addition, an accompanying website - www.blackwellpublishing.com/slack - provides instructional materials for both student and lecturer use, including animated developmental processes, a photo gallery of selected model organisms, and all artwork in downloadable format.With an emphasis throughout on the evidence underpinning the main conclusions, this book is an essential text for both introductory and more advanced courses in developmental biology.