Isaeva, V.V., A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology, Evolution of the Russian Academy of Science, 119071 Moscow, Russian Federation, A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russian Federation
Kasyanov, N.V., Institute of Theory and History of Architecture and Town Planning, 105264 Moscow, Russian Federation
Presnov, E.V., The Volcani Center, 85280 Gilat, Israel

The review presents a topological interpretation of some morphogenetic events through the use of well-known mathematical concepts and theorems. Spatial organization of the biological fields is analyzable in topological terms. Topological singularities inevitably emerging in biological morphogenesis are retained and transformed during pattern formation. It is the topological language that can provide strict and adequate description of various phenomena in developmental and evolutionary transformations. The relationship between local and global orders in metazoan development, . i.e., between local morphogenetic processes and integral developmental patterns, is established. A topological inevitability of some developmental events through the use of classical topological concepts is discussed. This methodology reveals a topological imperative as a certain set of topological rules that constrains and directs embryogenesis. A breaking of spatial symmetry of preexisting pattern plays a critical role in biological morphogenesis in development and evolution. © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.