Astrobiology: A Brief Introduction
by Michael Gross /
2006 / English / PDF
4.8 MB Download
Astrobiology—the study of the intimate relationship between life
and the cosmos—is a fast-growing field that touches on aspects of
cosmology, astrophysics, and chemistry. In the first scholarly
overview of this dynamic field, biochemists Kevin W. Plaxco and
Michael Gross tell the story of life from the Big Bang to the
present.
Astrobiology—the study of the intimate relationship between life
and the cosmos—is a fast-growing field that touches on aspects of
cosmology, astrophysics, and chemistry. In the first scholarly
overview of this dynamic field, biochemists Kevin W. Plaxco and
Michael Gross tell the story of life from the Big Bang to the
present.
Emphasizing the biochemical nature of astrobiology, Plaxco and
Gross examine the origin of the chemical elements, the events
behind the developments that made the Universe habitable, and the
ongoing sustenance of life. They discuss the formation of the
first galaxies and stars, the diverse chemistry of the primordial
planet, the origins of metabolism, the evolution of complex
organisms, and the feedback regulation of Earth's climate. They
also explore life in extreme habitats, potential extraterrestrial
habitats, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Emphasizing the biochemical nature of astrobiology, Plaxco and
Gross examine the origin of the chemical elements, the events
behind the developments that made the Universe habitable, and the
ongoing sustenance of life. They discuss the formation of the
first galaxies and stars, the diverse chemistry of the primordial
planet, the origins of metabolism, the evolution of complex
organisms, and the feedback regulation of Earth's climate. They
also explore life in extreme habitats, potential extraterrestrial
habitats, and the search for extraterrestrial life.
This broadly accessible introduction captures the excitement,
controversy, and evolution of the dynamic young field of
astrobiology. It shows clearly how scientists from different
disciplines can combine their special knowledge to enhance our
understanding of the Universe.
This broadly accessible introduction captures the excitement,
controversy, and evolution of the dynamic young field of
astrobiology. It shows clearly how scientists from different
disciplines can combine their special knowledge to enhance our
understanding of the Universe.