Early Evolution : From the Appearance of the First Cell to the First Modern Organisms

Rizzotti, Martino

ISBN 10: 3764361913 / ISBN 13: 9783764361914

Published by Springer Basel AG, 2000

About this Item

Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.

Seller Inventory # 15717485-75

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Early Evolution : From the Appearance of the First Cell to the First Modern Organisms
• Publisher: Springer Basel AG
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3764361913
• ISBN 13: 9783764361914
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 2000th Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 1.484 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

It is now accepted that the first cells derived from simpler "objects", and that their descendants became more and more complicated and ordered until their evolutionary transformation into modern cells, namely, cells endowed with the same basic structures and mechanisms as those existing today. Although the appearance of the first modern cells goes back at least two billion years, many scholars believe that it occurred almost four billion years ago. In that case, the Earth's formation, which took place quite quickly about 4. 6 billion years ago, is in close proximity to the originoflife. There is disagreement not only about the moment ofappearance ofmodern cells, but also as to their early evolution. Ideas on the first steps in cellular evolution vary considerably, and our present knowledge is so limited as to be little more than vacuous. Why discuss it then? Precisely because it is an empty space that needs to be filled! Does it make sense only to discuss things which are well-known and well­ documented? Is this the best way to interpret that spirit of exploration of the unknown which is at the very heartofscientific endeavor? The idea that it is idle to venture into fields which are poorly documented has been long supported, even in cases similar to those dealt with here, for example, the evolutionary phases which took place before the first cell.