Origins of life in the universe
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Origins of life in the universe
Cambridge University Press, c2008
- : hbk
- : pbk
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Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
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.
Table of Contents
- 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.
by "Nielsen BookData"