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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.
List of contents
BOOK 1: Origin of Life in the Universe.- INTRODUCTION: What is astrobiology?.- 1. From cosmic to chemical evolution.- 2: From chemical to prebiotic evolution.- 3: Sources for life's origins: A search for biogenic elements.- 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.- 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.- 10: How different would life be elsewhere?.- 11: The search for evolution of extraterrestrial intelligent behavior.- 12: Is the evolution of intelligent behavior universal?.- 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.- Notes and References.- Supplementary Reading.- Indices.- Abbreviations.- Name Index.- About the Author.- Proceedings of related events in astrobiology co-edited by the author.
Summary
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.
Additional text
"Recommended for anyone involved in studying life. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals; two-year technical program students."
(CHOICE 39:9 (2002)
Report
"Recommended for anyone involved in studying life. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals; two-year technical program students."
(CHOICE 39:9 (2002)
