Origins of Life in the Universe

The most fascinating questions on the history of the Universe are answered in this text.

Robert Jastrow (Author), Michael Rampino (Author)

9780521532839, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 23 October 2008

444 pages, 245 colour illus.
24.6 x 19 x 2.8 cm, 1.13 kg

'… a great book … beautifully illustrated … breaks new ground … it is a book which, for the first time, allows a general reader to grasp the wonders of our Universe and of life at a deeper and more logical level.' Contemporary Physics

This concise and highly illustrated textbook traces the evolution of the Cosmos from the Big Bang to the development of intelligent life on Earth, conveying clear science in an engaging narrative. By mapping the history of the Universe for introductory science and astrobiology courses for non-science majors, this book allows many of the most fascinating questions in science to be explored. What is the origin of the Universe? How do stars and planets form? How does life begin? How did intelligence arise? Are we alone in the Cosmos? Physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and geology are combined to create a chronicle of events in which the swirling vapors in the primordial cloud of the Universe evolved over billions of years into conscious life. Outlining, the latest discoveries in astrobiology, this textbook is suffused with the excitement of this fast-moving field. Instructor and student support is provided at www.cambridge.org/jastrow.

Part I. The Universe: 1. Our place in the Universe
2. A view of the origin of the Universe
3. Life from the cosmic cauldron
Part II. The Solar System: 4. Formation of the conditions for life
5. Origins of a habitable planet
6. Prospects for life
7. The evolution of a hostile world
Part III. The Earth: 8. Composition and structure of a habitable planet
9. The changing face of an active habitable planet
10. Climate change and the evolution of life
Part IV. Origin and History of Life on the Earth: 11. The origin and evolution of life
12. The early history of life on Earth
13. The development of higher life forms
Part V. Evolution of Intelligent Life: 14. The mammals and the rise of intelligence
15. The evolution of higher intelligence
16. Are we alone in the Universe?
Epilogue. Are we alone?
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Historical geology [RBGF], Earth sciences [RB], Evolution [PSAJ], Biology, life sciences [PS], Chemistry [PN], Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Astronomy, space & time [PG], History of science [PDX]