How do cells acquire positional information about their location in a developing embryo?

This is by extrinsic chemical signaling from other cells. This way the cells will determine their position in the body axes and also into which type of tissue, organ or structure that they should begin to differentiate. Extrinsic signals are also coupled with intrinsic signaling from mother cells to daughter cells in cell division.

the answer you are looking for is the united states forest service.

hope this !