The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth

The Emergence of the Fourth Geosphere

By Eric Smith,Harold J. Morowitz | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

Uniting the conceptual foundations of the physical sciences and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary book explores the origin of life as a planetary process. Combining geology, geochemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, evolution and statistical physics to create an inclusive picture of the living state, the authors develop the argument that the emergence of life was a necessary cascade of non-equilibrium phase transitions that opened new channels for chemical energy flow on Earth. This full colour and logically structured book introduces the main areas of significance and provides a well-ordered and accessible introduction to multiple literatures outside the confines of disciplinary specializations, as well as including an extensive bibliography to provide context and further reading. For researchers, professionals entering the field or specialists looking for a coherent overview, this text brings together diverse perspectives to form a unified picture of the origin of life and the ongoing organization of the biosphere.

Editions of The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth

Hardcover
ISBN 9781107121881

Read an Excerpt

Uniting the conceptual foundations of the physical sciences and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary book explores the origin of life as a planetary process. Combining geology, geochemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, evolution and statistical physics to create an inclusive picture of the living state, the authors develop the argument that the emergence of life was a necessary cascade of non-equilibrium phase transitions that opened new channels for chemical energy flow on Earth. This full colour and logically structured book introduces the main areas of significance and provides a well-ordered and accessible introduction to multiple literatures outside the confines of disciplinary specializations, as well as including an extensive bibliography to provide context and further reading. For researchers, professionals entering the field or specialists looking for a coherent overview, this text brings together diverse perspectives to form a unified picture of the origin of life and the ongoing organization of the biosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth about?

Uniting the conceptual foundations of the physical sciences and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary book explores the origin of life as a planetary process. Combining geology, geochemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, evolution and statistical physics to create an inclusive picture of the living state, the authors develop the argument that the emergence of life was a necessary cascade of non-equilibrium phase transitions that opened new channels for chemical energy flow on Earth. This full colour and logically structured book introduces the main areas of significance and provides a well-ordered and accessible introduction to multiple literatures outside the confines of disciplinary specializations, as well as including an extensive bibliography to provide context and further reading. For researchers, professionals entering the field or specialists looking for a coherent overview, this text brings together diverse perspectives to form a unified picture of the origin of life and the ongoing organization of the biosphere.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth?

Mathematics and Science > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues

Where can I read a sample of The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107121881

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth?

Eric Smith,Harold J. Morowitz

Who is the Publisher of the book The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107121881)