The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth: The Emergence of the Fourth Geosphere

Smith, Eric; Morowitz, Harold J.

ISBN 10: 1107121884 / ISBN 13: 9781107121881

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2016

About this Item

Fine condition.

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth: The Emergence of the Fourth Geosphere
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1107121884
• ISBN 13: 9781107121881
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Dimensions: 17.68W x 25.55H x 3.63D centimeters 17.68 centimeters width by 25.55 centimeters height by 3.63 centimeters depth
• Weight: 1510 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Uniting the conceptual foundations of the physical sciences and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary book explores the origin of life as a planetary process. Combining geology, geochemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, evolution and statistical physics to create an inclusive picture of the living state, the authors develop the argument that the emergence of life was a necessary cascade of non-equilibrium phase transitions that opened new channels for chemical energy flow on Earth. This full colour and logically structured book introduces the main areas of significance and provides a well-ordered and accessible introduction to multiple literatures outside the confines of disciplinary specializations, as well as including an extensive bibliography to provide context and further reading. For researchers, professionals entering the field or specialists looking for a coherent overview, this text brings together diverse perspectives to form a unified picture of the origin of life and the ongoing organization of the biosphere.

About the Authors

Eric Smith is External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute, Research Professor at George Mason University and Principle Investigator at the Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology. He is a physicist specializing in the origin of life, non-equilibrium systems, economics and the evolution of human languages.

Harold J. Morowitz is Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Biology and Natural Philosophy at George Mason University. He was founding director of the Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study at George Mason University, and is Chairman Emeritus of the Science Board at the Santa Fe Institute.