Extremophiles are life-forms that thrive under some of the harshest conditions found on Earth. This resource provides a detailed overview of the current state of knowledge about this fascinating group of life-forms. Over the course of 11 contributed chapters, 26 experts from around the globe identify known extremophiles, explore their unique ecologies and physiologies, and discuss current and future biotechnological applications.

Providing the most up-to-date coverage available of this rapidly advancing field, this book:
* Combines the latest research finding with informed...

Biodiversity of Microbial Life places the importance and novelty of the diversity of the microbial world in perspective with the biodiversity of plants and animals. Microbial diversity has driven the evolution of all life on Earth as well as the nutrient cycles, which are key to the operation of the biosphere. Microorganisms live in all ecosystems, even extreme environments not habitable to other organisms. Noted experts including Carl Woese, the originator of the Tree of Life, and Rita Colwell, who is now Director of the National Science Foundation, offer their unique perspectives on the...

Wiley Series in Ecological and Applied Microbiology, Ralph Mitchell, Series Editor

Microbial ecology is now recognized to be fundamental for understanding the natural world around us and is essential for examining life in the oceans. For the first time, this book brings together international experts to explore the incredibly diverse collection of microbes (and viruses) found in the oceans and to dissect many of the processes mediated by these microbes in aquatic environments. Although the oceans are emphasized, the organisms and processes discussed in the book occur in nearly...

A detailed analysis of acidification effects on forest soil, rhizosphere and plant life and on the processes connecting them such as nutrient uptake and mineral cycling.