Biosphere Origin and Evolution


Book Description

This monograph contains articles based on the oral presentations given at the International Workshop on the Biosphere Origin and Evolution (BOE 2005) held in Novosibirsk, Russia, June 26-29, 2005. The organizers of the event were the Scientific Programme of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which involves 50 institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences.




Problems of Biosphere Origin and Evolution


Book Description

By definition, biosphere is the Earth's geological shell populated by living organisms. Therefore, the biosphere's origin and evolution are primarily a geological problem. At present geological problems are solved using methods of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The multidisciplinary approach is a basis of this book. Life origin problems occupy the main part of this book. What is life, and can we understand its origin and evolution on the basis of laws of physics and chemistry? A number of works are dedicated to experimental study of the synthesis of organic compounds of the prebiotic significance, including ATP and photoactive systems. The characteristic feature of our scientific approach is to consider the problem of life origin in the context of the origin and evolution of the solar system, beginning with the protoplanetary stage and including the events of the Earth's early history. The last chapter comprises papers that concern modern problems and approaches to the study of various aspects of biological evolution. The present edition is a collection of articles by scientists representing more than 20 institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other organisations, joined by the science program "Problems of Biosphere Origin and Evolution". This book will be interesting for a wide range of researchers: physicists, chemists, biologists, mathematicians. The book represents the stance of the Russian scientific school on the problem of life origin, which does not always coincide with opinions of other scientific schools.




Earth's Earliest Biosphere


Book Description

The Description for this book, Earth's Earliest Biosphere: Its Origin and Evolution, will be forthcoming.




Problems of Biosphere Origin and Evolution


Book Description

By definition, biosphere is the Earth's geological shell populated by living organisms. Therefore, the biosphere's origin and evolution is primarily a geological problem. At present geological problems are solved using methods of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The multidisciplinary approach is a basis of this book. Life origin problems occupy the main part of the book. What is life, and can we understand its origin and evolution on the basis of laws of physics and chemistry? A number of works are dedicated to experimental study of the synthesis of organic compounds of the prebiotic significance, including ATP and photoactive systems. The characteristic feature of our scientific approach is to consider the problem of life origin in the context of the origin and evolution of the solar system, beginning with the protoplanetary stage and including the events of the Earth's early history. The last chapter comprises papers that concern modern problems and approaches to the study of various aspects of biological evolution. The present edition is a collection of articles by scientists representing more than 20 institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other organisations, joined by the science program "Problems of Biosphere Origin and Evolution". This book will be interesting for a wide range of researchers: physicists, chemists, biologists, mathematicians. The book represents the stance of the Russian scientific school on the problem of life origin, which does not always coincide with opinions of other scientific schools.




Problems of Biosphere Origin and Evolution


Book Description

By definition, biosphere is the Earth's geological shell populated by living organisms. Therefore, the biosphere's origin and evolution is primarily a geological problem. At present geological problems are solved using methods of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The multidisciplinary approach is a basis of this book. Life origin problems occupy the main part of the book. What is life, and can we understand its origin and evolution on the basis of laws of physics and chemistry? A number of works are dedicated to experimental study of the synthesis of organic compounds of the prebiotic significance, including ATP and photoactive systems. The characteristic feature of our scientific approach is to consider the problem of life origin in the context of the origin and evolution of the solar system, beginning with the protoplanetary stage and including the events of the Earth's early history. The last chapter comprises papers that concern modern problems and approaches to the study of various aspects of biological evolution. The present edition is a collection of articles by scientists representing more than 20 institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other organizations, joined by the science program "Problems of Biosphere Origin and Evolution". This book will be interesting for a wide range of researchers: physicists, chemists, biologists, mathematicians. The book represents the stance of the Russian scientific school on the problem of life origin, which does not always coincide with opinions of other scientific schools.




The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth


Book Description

Uniting the foundations of physics and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary and integrative book explores life as a planetary process.




Environmental Evolution


Book Description

Fifteen distinguished scientists discuss the effects of life--past and present--on planet Earth.




The Biosphere


Book Description

In this book entitled "The Biosphere", researchers from all regions of the world report on their findings to explore the origins, evolution, ecosystems and resource utilization patterns of the biosphere. Some describe the complexities and challenges that humanity faces in its efforts to experiment and establish a new partnership with nature in places designated as biosphere reserves by UNESCO under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. At the dawn of the 21st century humanity is ever more aware and conscious of the adverse consequences that it has brought upon global climate change and biodiversity loss. We are at a critical moment of reflection and action to work out a new compact with the biosphere that sustains our own wellbeing and that of our planetary companions. This book is a modest attempt to enrich and enable that special moment and its march ahead in human history.




Revolutions that Made the Earth


Book Description

The Earth that sustains us today was born out of a few remarkable, near-catastrophic revolutions, started by biological innovations and marked by global environmental consequences. The revolutions have certain features in common, such as an increase in complexity, energy utilization, and information processing by life. This book describes these revolutions, showing the fundamental interdependence of the evolution of life and its non-living environment. We would not exist unless these upheavals had led eventually to 'successful' outcomes - meaning that after each one, at length, a new stable world emerged. The current planet-reshaping activities of our species may be the start of another great Earth system revolution, but there is no guarantee that this one will be successful. The book explains what a successful transition through it might look like, if we are wise enough to steer such a course. This book places humanity in context as part of the Earth system, using a new scientific synthesis to illustrate our debt to the deep past and our potential for the future.




The Origin of Life


Book Description

The origins of life remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of science. Growing evidence suggests that the first organisms lived deep underground, in environments previously thought to be uninhabitable, and that microbes carried inside rocks have travelled between Earth and Mars. But the question remains: how can life spring into being from non-living chemicals? THE FIFTH MIRACLE reveals the remarkable new theories and discoveries that seem set to transform our understanding of life's role in the unfolding drama of the cosmos.