Life of Earth: Potrait of a Beautiful, Middle-Aged, Stressed-Out World - Couverture rigide
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Life of Earth In this portrait of Planet Earth at just about the mid point of its probable life span a biologist discusses the evolution of the network of life and the cruial role played by humans in determining the future of our world. Full description
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Présentation de l'éditeur :
In this portrait of Planet Earth—at just about the mid point of its probable lifespan—a biologist discusses the evolution of the network of life and the crucial role played by humans in determining the future of our world.
Unlike most books on earth history, which present the story of life on our planet in terms of one chronological period after another, the author discusses Earth’s teeming diversity in terms of pivotal evolutionary developments. Among these he stresses the importance of symbiosis, sex, and altruism as key determinants of the Earth’s biodiversity.
Symbiosis—when single cells began working together—sparked the sudden appearance of complex animals. Much later symbiotic relationships led to flowering plants that depended on animals for pollination and seed dispersal.
With the advent of sexual selection, there developed an astonishing world of complex behavior and a dizzying array of life forms. In humans, sexual selection exerted a great influence on the development of our large brains.
Altruism—when species learned to work together—resulted in even greater variety and complexity. In early humans, altruism gave rise to ever-widening social circles and the spread of culture.
The author also discusses the role of photosynthesis in establishing and maintaining life on earth; the evidence for ancient natural catastrophes, which caused widespread extinctions; and the importance of religion and the recent use of scientific reasoning in the development and the future of the human species.
This eloquent, panoramic perspective is well designed to foster an appreciation for the scope of life on Earth and to encourage wise stewardship of the natural world on which our survival depends.
Biographie de l'auteur :
Unlike most books on earth history, which present the story of life on our planet in terms of one chronological period after another, the author discusses Earth’s teeming diversity in terms of pivotal evolutionary developments. Among these he stresses the importance of symbiosis, sex, and altruism as key determinants of the Earth’s biodiversity.
Symbiosis—when single cells began working together—sparked the sudden appearance of complex animals. Much later symbiotic relationships led to flowering plants that depended on animals for pollination and seed dispersal.
With the advent of sexual selection, there developed an astonishing world of complex behavior and a dizzying array of life forms. In humans, sexual selection exerted a great influence on the development of our large brains.
Altruism—when species learned to work together—resulted in even greater variety and complexity. In early humans, altruism gave rise to ever-widening social circles and the spread of culture.
The author also discusses the role of photosynthesis in establishing and maintaining life on earth; the evidence for ancient natural catastrophes, which caused widespread extinctions; and the importance of religion and the recent use of scientific reasoning in the development and the future of the human species.
This eloquent, panoramic perspective is well designed to foster an appreciation for the scope of life on Earth and to encourage wise stewardship of the natural world on which our survival depends.
Stanley A. Rice, PhD (Durant, OK) is the author of Green Planet: How Plants Keep the Earth Alive, The Encyclopedia of Evolution, The Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, and The Encyclopedia of Biodiversity. He is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.
- ÉditeurPrometheus Books
- Date d'édition2010
- ISBN 10 1616142251
- ISBN 13 9781616142254
- ReliureRelié
- Nombre de pages255
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Life of Earth: Portrait of a Beautiful, Middle-Aged, Stressed Out World
Edité par
Prometheus
(2010)
ISBN 10 : 1616142251
ISBN 13 : 9781616142254
Neuf
Couverture rigide
Quantité disponible : 1
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Evaluation vendeur
Description du livre Hardcover. Etat : New. In shrink wrap. N° de réf. du vendeur 100-08503
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EUR 14,28
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