On time: developmental timing within and across species

Abstract

Organisms across species differ in the relative size and complexity of their tissues to serve the specific purposes of the host. Correct timing is a crucial ingredient in the development of tissues, as reaching the right size and complexity requires a careful balance between cellular proliferation and differentiation. Premature or delayed differentiation, for instance, can result in tissue imbalance, malformation or malfunction. Despite seemingly rigid constraints on development, however, there is flexibility in both the timing and differentiation trajectories within and between species. In this Spotlight, we discuss how time is measured and regulated in development, and question whether developmental timing is in fact different between species.