How We Develop — Developmental Systems and the Emergence of Complex Behaviors

How does a tiny clump of cells become a mature individual with a particular physique, intellect, and personality? For decades, the "nature vs. nurture" paradigm has held sway, but more recent evidence about gene expression, neural plasticity, and fetal development has forced a more biologically plausible view.

This collection embraces the "developmental systems" perspective, a framework for understanding development as a dynamic and interactive process. We have endeavored to make these articles accessible to all readers – including scientists, students, parents, teachers, and policy makers – who wish to better understand and improve child development.

Welcome, and thanks for exploring.

Mark S. Blumberg, John P. Spencer, and David Shenk
WIREs Guest Editors

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