postembryonal

Postembryonal is an adjective used in biology to describe processes, tissues, or stages that occur after embryogenesis—the development of the embryo. In this sense, postembryonal development encompasses all growth, differentiation, and maturation that take place after the embryonic stage in both animals and plants.

In animals, postembryonal development includes the entire life-history phases following embryogenesis. Examples include the growth from birth or hatching to maturity in mammals, birds, and many reptiles, as well as larval and juvenile stages in insects and amphibians. In species with metamorphosis, such as butterflies, beetles, and amphibians, the postembryonal period may involve dramatic changes in form and function as the organism transitions between life stages.

In plants, postembryonal development refers to growth and differentiation that occur after the embryo has formed within the seed. This includes germination, seedling establishment, and subsequent vegetative and reproductive growth. Plant development is often characterized by indeterminate growth, so postembryonal processes can continue throughout the life of the organism, enabling continual organ formation and adaptation.

Terminology note: postembryonal is closely related to the more common term postembryonic. Some sources use them interchangeably, while others prefer one form depending on linguistic or disciplinary context. Both terms broadly denote events and structures arising after the embryonic stage rather than during embryogenesis.

See also: embryology, postembryonic development, metamorphosis, ontogeny, plant development.