Biology Tutorials > Developmental Biology

Developmental Biology

Developmental biology is primarily concerned with how a living thing grows and attains maturity.

Developmental biology is a biological science that is primarily concerned with how a living thing grows and attains maturity. The tutorials included here focuses on human growth and development. Thus, one can expect to learn about human zygote developing and maturing into adulthood after these tutorials. Also included here are informative guides on dietary sources of nutrients critical for the proper growth and development of humans.

Objectives

To learn about human reproduction and the different life stages in which a person goes through, i.e. from zygote to adulthood
To become familiar with the different pregnancy and birth control strategies
To recognize the importance of a balanced diet comprised of vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and minerals

Key Points

In humans, reproduction is solely by sexual means (with gametes) as opposed to other organisms that reproduce asexually (without gametes).
Humans produce gametes (sex cells) by meiosis. Females produce egg cells whereas males produce sperm cells. Both of these cells are haploid. This is important at fertilization so that the zygote that forms from the union will retain its diploid nature throughout generations.
The major human life stages in chronological order are as follows: zygote, embryo, fetus, neonate, toddler, puberty, adult
The human body grows as manifested by multifarious bodily changes. The growth and development of the human body are sustained by the nutrients procured from dietary sources or by the innate production of vital compounds.
At old age, the human body becomes less efficient. Homeostasis becomes less efficient in maintaining favorable conditions. This leads to the degeneration of the body and ultimately, death.

Human Reproduction and Fertilization

For human species to obviate extinction, reproductive mature adults should be producing viable offspring in order to continue the existence of the species and pass on genetic information from generation to generation. Read this tutorial to learn more about human reproduction and fertilization…

Growth and Development of a Human Baby

Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development from zygote to embryo and ultimately to a human baby. ..

Birth of a Human Baby

Following nine months inside the mother’s womb is the birth of the baby. Know the different stages of the birthing process in humans…

Birth Control and Contraception

Different pregnancy and birth control and contraception strategies are described. Read this tutorial to learn each of these strategies. ..

Physical Development in Humans

This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutorial to know the specific physical changes that female and male bodies undergo as they turn into adults…

Human Biology – Food and Digestion

This tutorial recognizes the importance of food as a source of energy that will fuel many biological processes. A good diet will be one consisting of the right amounts of nutritive compounds. Get to know the different nutritional requirements of the body through this tutorial…