What term describes the length of time it takes for an embryo to develop?

The term that describes the length of time it takes for an embryo to develop is gestation. Gestation refers specifically to the period between conception and birth in mammals, encompassing all the stages of embryonic and fetal development until the organism is ready to be born. This period can vary significantly among different species, reflecting adaptations to their reproductive strategies and environmental conditions.

Cleavage refers to the series of rapid cell divisions that occur immediately after fertilization, resulting in the formation of a multicellular structure known as a blastula. Implantation is the process by which the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall, allowing further development. Embryogenesis describes the overall process of embryo formation and differentiation, but it doesn’t specify the duration of development as gestation does. Thus, gestation is the most accurate term for the length of time it takes for an embryo to develop before birth.