This is from a recent paper in Cell:
Early embryogenesis is a conserved and self-organized process. In the mammalian embryo, the potential for self-organization is manifested in its extraordinary developmental plasticity, allowing a correctly patterned embryo to arise despite experimental perturbation. The underlying mechanisms enabling such regulative development have long been a topic of study. In this Review, we summarize our current understanding of the self-organizing principles behind the regulative nature of the early mammalian embryo. We argue that geometrical constraints, feedback between mechanical and biochemical factors, and cellular heterogeneity are all required to ensure the developmental plasticity of mammalian embryo development.
Meng Zhu1 and Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, “Principles of Self-Organization of the Mammalian Embryo” at Cell (open access)
Self-organization makes sense if you believe that the universe and life form are intelligently designed.
The Darwinians are approaching endgame. But hey, some good news, it’ll be okay for everybody else.