The New Science of Astrobiology: From Genesis of the Living Cell to Evolution of Intelligent Behaviour in the Universe

ISBN-13: 9781402022296 / Angielski / Miękka / 2004 / 253 str.

J. Chela-Flores; Julian Chela-Flores

Opis

Astrobiology is a very broad interdisciplinary field covering the origin, evolution, distribution, and destiny of life in the universe, as well as the design and implementation of missions for solar system exploration. A review covering its complete spectrum has been missing at a level accessible even to the non-specialist.
The last section of the book consists of a supplement, including a glossary, notes, and tables, which represent highly condensed windows' into research ranging from basic sciences to earth and life sciences, as well as the humanities.
These additions should make The New Science of Astrobiology accessible to a wide readership: scientists, humanists, and the general reader will have an opportunity to participate in one of the most rewarding activities of contemporary culture.

Recenzje

"Recommended for anyone involved in studying life. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals; two-year technical program students."
(CHOICE 39:9 (2002)

Spis treści

Foreword; J. Seckbach. Preface. Book 1: Origin of Life in the Universe. Introduction: What is astrobiology? Part I: Chemical Evolution: Foundations for the Study of the Origin of Life in the Universe. 1. From cosmic to chemical evolution. 2. From chemical to prebiotic evolution. 3. Sources for life's origins: A search for biogenic elements. Part II: Prebiotic Evolution: The Birth of Biomolecules. 4. From prebiotic evolution to single cells. Book 2: Evolution of Life in the Universe. 5. From the age of prokaryotes to the origin of eukaryotes. 6. Eukaryogenesis and evolution of intelligent behavior. Book 3: Distribution and Destiny of Life in the Universe. Part I: Exobiology: Scientific Bases for the Study of the Life of Other Worlds. 7. On the possibility of biological evolution on Mars. 8. On the possibility of biological evolution on Europa. 9. On the possibility of chemical evolution on Titan. Part II: Bioastronomy: The Study of Astronomical Phenomena Related to Life. 10. How different would life be elsewhere? 11. The search for evolution of extraterrestrial intelligent behavior. 12. Is the evolution of intelligent behavior universal? Part III: Cultural Foundations for the Discussion of the Destiny of Life in the Universe. 13. Deeper implications of the search for extraterrestrial life. 14. Philosophical implications of the search for extraterrestrial civilizations. 15. Back to the beginning of astrobiology. 16. Recapitulation. Book 4: Supplement. Notes and References. Glossary. Supplementary Reading. Indices. About the Author.