The title of the "father of modern embryology" is often attributed to Karl Ernst von Baer. The Estonian-born embryologist made groundbreaking contributions in the early 19th century, establishing key principles in embryonic development. Von Baer emphasized the significance of studying embryos across different species and proposed fundamental concepts such as the germ layers and the notochord. His work laid the foundation for comparative embryology and greatly influenced the understanding of evolutionary biology. Von Baer's meticulous observations and insightful theories marked a pivotal era in the advancement of embryological science, earning him recognition as a central figure in the field.