Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Assessing Species-specific Contributions To Craniofacial Development Using Quail-duck Chimeras
Published on: May 31, 2014
Diversity of germ layer and axis formation among mammals
Guy S Eakin1, Richard R Behringer
1Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
The class mammalia is composed of approximately 4800 extant species. This class is divided into three subclasses, the prototheria (monotremes), metatheria (marsupials), and eutheria. Surprisingly, there is relatively little knowledge about germ layer and axis formation in mammalian species. Most knowledge about these embryonic processes has been obtained from one species, the mouse, Mus musculus. Here we discuss major variations in germ layer and axis formation among mammals. We suggest that more studies of embryonic development in diverse mammalian species are required for an understanding of germ layer and axis formation to provide insights into human biology and disease.
Related Concept Videos
Gastrulation
Diversity of Protists IV
Diversity of Protists II
Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers
Diversity of Protists III
Diversity of Archaea II

