The Origin and Nature of Life on Earth
The Emergence of the Fourth Geosphere

Uniting the foundations of physics and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary and integrative book explores life as a planetary process.

Eric Smith (Author), Harold J. Morowitz (Author)

9781107121881, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 31 March 2016

691 pages, 64 colour illus. 4 maps 5 tables
25.3 x 18.3 x 3.5 cm, 1.51 kg

'For those interested in an easy-to-follow introduction to this fascinating topic …' Graham Godfrey, The Biologist

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.

Acknowledgements
Preface
1. The planetary scope of biogenesis
2. Life on Earth today
3. The geochemical context for the biosphere
4. The architecture of metabolism
5. Higher-level structures
6. Emergence of the biosphere
7. The phase transition paradigm for emergence
8. The nature of the living state
Epilogue. References
Index.

Subject Areas: Geochemistry [RBGK], Geology & the lithosphere [RBG], Earth sciences [RB], Microbiology [non-medical PSG], Evolution [PSAJ], Life sciences: general issues [PSA], Biology, life sciences [PS], Biophysics [PHVN], Applied physics [PHV], Physics [PH]