Evolutionary Essays: A Thermodynamic Interpretation of the Evolution

ISBN-13: 9780444529961 / Angielski / Twarda / 2008 / 206 str.

Sven Erik Jorgensen

Opis

Evolution is nature's most fascinating process, the possibility given sufficient time to combine simple inorganic compounds to more and more complex biochemical compounds, which make up more and more complex organisms. It is therefore crucial in our effort to understand the evolution to see it from as many different angles as possible. This books draw an image of evolution from the thermodynamic viewpoint, which gives new and surprising insights into the processes and mechanisms that have driven evolution. This new thermodynamic interpretation has made it possible to quantify the various steps of evolution and to show that evolution has followed an exponential growth curve.

• The first comprehensive thermodynamic interpretation and explanation of evolution
• This thermodynamic interpretation makes it possible to quantify the various steps of evolution
• This interpretation explains the wide spectrum of different mechanisms on which the evolution has been based

Spis treści

Part 1: Thermodynamics, Ecosystems and the Evolutionary Mechanisms1. An introduction to thermodynamics and information theory2. Thermodynamic and the evolutionary process3. The evolutionary mechanisms. 4. Extreme Environment

Part 2: History of Biological Evolution from a Thermodynamic Point of View. Eco-Exergy as a Criterion of Selection in Macro-evolution5. The evolution of the Universe6. From Inorganic to Poly-organic Compounds7. From Poly-organic Compounds to Eukaryote Cells8. Pluricellular Organization and the Cambrian Explosion9. From the Ordovician Period to the Jurassic Period10. The Evolution from Dinosaurs to Birds and Mammals11. From Primates to Human

Part 3: A holistic thermodynamic interpretation of the Evolution12.The three growth forms and the evolution13. The evolution of diversity14. Eco-exergy and ascendency15. The evolution of ecological networks16. Summary of the Evolution of Eco-exergy and Discussion of the Evolutionary Possibilities in the Future17. A holistic picture of evolutionary thermodynamics