Author:
Gale, J. (Joseph), 1931-
Imprint:Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.
Descriptionxvi, 245 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Note:What is life? Why water? -- The universe from the perspective of biology -- The Solar System and life on Earth: I -- The Solar System and life on Earth: II -- Early and present Earth and its circumnavigation of the Sun -- Origin of life and photosynthesis -- Setting the stage for the evolution of life on a tumultuous planet -- Mechanisms of evolution: from first cells and extremophiles to complex life -- The evolution of humans and their interaction with the biosphere -- In search of extraterrestrial life.
Bibliography Note:Includes bibliographical references (p. [217]-229) and index.