Publisher description
This text provides an accessible introduction to critical changes in the
biosphere that have occurred since life's origin. Based on a course developed
by Lynn Margulis and colleagues over many years, it presents an integrated view
of how our planet evolved. "Environmental Evolution" differs from Earth-science
textbooks in its consideration of geology as it is shaped by life. Fifteen scientists reflect on major events in the history of life on Earth.
Comparisons with the atmospheres of other planets, laboratory studies on the
origins of life, and fossil evidence of microbial communities all contribute to
the story of early life and its environment. The ability of modern bacteria to
trap, bind, and precipitate calcium carbonate explains the presence of
stromatolites from the Archean and Proterozoic eons. Evidence from cell biology
provides clues to the origin of eukaryotic cells by multiple serial
symbiosis. Transcending academic boundaries, the Gaia hypothesis shows how the
sensing, growing, excreting, gas-exchanging, sediment-binding biota (plants,
animals, and microbes) have irreversibly altered the third planet - from the
origin of life some 14 billion years ago to the present. "Environmental Evolution" includes a glossary, charts and tables, lists of
recommended readings, and an appendix that offers strategies for teaching,
sample syllabuses, and suggestions for assignments and class presentations. Contributors include E.S. Barghorn, R. Buchsbaum, D.Deamer, S. Golubic, A.
Knoll, A. Lazcano, J.E. Lovelock, L. Margulis, C. Matthews, M. Mc Elroy, C.
Ponnamperuma, R. Siever, P. Strother, T. Swain, and N. Todd. Aiming to provide an accessible introduction to critical changes in the
biosphere that have occurred since the origins of life, this text presents an
integrated view of our planet's evolution. Fifteen scientists reflect on major
events in the history of the Earth.
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Environmental Evolution
Book reviews » Environmental Evolution - 2nd Edition: Effects of the Origin and Evolution of Life on Planet Earth
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