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While the heart works as an efficient pump, it also has a high level of adaptivity by changing its structure to maintain function during healthy and diseased states. In this Review, we present examples of structure–function relationships across species and throughout embryonic development in mammals and birds. We also summarize current research on avian models aiming at understanding how biophysical and biological mechanisms closely interact during heart formation. We conclude by underscoring similarities between cardiac adaptations and structural changes over developmental and evolutionary time scales and how understanding the mechanisms behind these adaptations can help prevent or alleviate the effects of cardiac malformations and contribute to cardiac regeneration efforts.
