The process of morph specification and differentiation during development involves a branching ontogeny influenced by hormonal, transcriptional and epigenetic changes, all of which may influence each other. Although images of post-embryonic development are shown, specification and differentiation can just as easily take place during embryonic development. These can influence development directly, or be mediated by a mother, who may receive the cue and transmit this information on to her progeny as a maternal effect. Although less supported and less investigated, paternal mediation (shown in grey) is also possible [55], either in combination with or independently of the mother.