Extreme Environmental Change and Evolution

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Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 9780521446594
Total Pages : 276 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (465 download)

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Book Synopsis Extreme Environmental Change and Evolution by : Ary A. Hoffmann

Download or read book Extreme Environmental Change and Evolution written by Ary A. Hoffmann and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1997-07-10 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most natural populations intermittently experience extremely stressful conditions. This book discusses how such conditions can cause periods of intense selection, increasing both phenotypic and genetic variation, and allowing organisms with novel characteristics to be first generated and then established in the population. The authors argue that stressful conditions can have a major impact on the environment, backing up their arguments with evidence from the fossil record. They suggest further that, as a consequence, periods of stress must be taken into consideration when long term conservation strategies are planned, particularly as stressful conditions are becoming increasingly prevalent as a result of human activities. This broad overview will be of great interest to students and researchers in the field of evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, palaeontology and conservation biology.

Understanding Climate's Influence on Human Evolution

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309148383
Total Pages : 128 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)

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Book Synopsis Understanding Climate's Influence on Human Evolution by : National Research Council

Download or read book Understanding Climate's Influence on Human Evolution written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-04-17 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The hominin fossil record documents a history of critical evolutionary events that have ultimately shaped and defined what it means to be human, including the origins of bipedalism; the emergence of our genus Homo; the first use of stone tools; increases in brain size; and the emergence of Homo sapiens, tools, and culture. The Earth's geological record suggests that some evolutionary events were coincident with substantial changes in African and Eurasian climate, raising the possibility that critical junctures in human evolution and behavioral development may have been affected by the environmental characteristics of the areas where hominins evolved. Understanding Climate's Change on Human Evolution explores the opportunities of using scientific research to improve our understanding of how climate may have helped shape our species. Improved climate records for specific regions will be required before it is possible to evaluate how critical resources for hominins, especially water and vegetation, would have been distributed on the landscape during key intervals of hominin history. Existing records contain substantial temporal gaps. The book's initiatives are presented in two major research themes: first, determining the impacts of climate change and climate variability on human evolution and dispersal; and second, integrating climate modeling, environmental records, and biotic responses. Understanding Climate's Change on Human Evolution suggests a new scientific program for international climate and human evolution studies that involve an exploration initiative to locate new fossil sites and to broaden the geographic and temporal sampling of the fossil and archeological record; a comprehensive and integrative scientific drilling program in lakes, lake bed outcrops, and ocean basins surrounding the regions where hominins evolved and a major investment in climate modeling experiments for key time intervals and regions that are critical to understanding human evolution.

Sustainable Water and Environmental Management in the California Bay-Delta

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309256224
Total Pages : 270 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (92 download)

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Book Synopsis Sustainable Water and Environmental Management in the California Bay-Delta by : National Research Council

Download or read book Sustainable Water and Environmental Management in the California Bay-Delta written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2012-10-01 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Extensively modified over the last century and a half, California's San Francisco Bay Delta Estuary remains biologically diverse and functions as a central element in California's water supply system. Uncertainties about the future, actions taken under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and companion California statues, and lawsuits have led to conflict concerning the timing and amount of water that can be diverted from the Delta for agriculture, municipal, and industrial purposes and concerning how much water is needed to protect the Delta ecosystem and its component species. Sustainable Water and Environmental Management in the California Bay-Delta focuses on scientific questions, assumptions, and conclusions underlying water-management alternatives and reviews the initial public draft of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan in terms of adequacy of its use of science and adaptive management. In addition, this report identifies the factors that may be contributing to the decline of federally listed species, recommend future water-supple and delivery options that reflect proper consideration of climate change and compatibility with objectives of maintaining a sustainable Bay-Delta ecosystem, advises what degree of restoration of the Delta system is likely to be attainable, and provides metrics that can be used by resource managers to measure progress toward restoration goals.

Extremophile Fishes

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Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319133624
Total Pages : 326 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (191 download)

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Book Synopsis Extremophile Fishes by : Rüdiger Riesch

Download or read book Extremophile Fishes written by Rüdiger Riesch and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-01-24 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book summarizes the key adaptations enabling extremophile fishes to survive under harsh environmental conditions. It reviews the most recent research on acidic, Antarctic, cave, desert, hypersaline, hypoxic, temporary, and fast-flowing habitats, as well as naturally and anthropogenically toxic waters, while pointing out generalities that are evident across different study systems. Knowledge of the different adaptations that allow fish to cope with stressful environmental conditions furthers our understanding of basic physiological, ecological, and evolutionary principles. In several cases, evidence is provided for how the adaptation to extreme environments promotes the emergence of new species. Furthermore, a link is made to conservation biology, and how human activities have exacerbated existing extreme environments and created new ones. The book concludes with a discussion of major open questions in our understanding of the ecology and evolution of life in extreme environments.

Plant Ecology and Evolution in Harsh Environments

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Publisher : Nova Science Publishers
ISBN 13 : 9781634845755
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (457 download)

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Book Synopsis Plant Ecology and Evolution in Harsh Environments by : Nishanta Rajakaruna

Download or read book Plant Ecology and Evolution in Harsh Environments written by Nishanta Rajakaruna and published by Nova Science Publishers. This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Harsh environments found around the world harbour unique organisms adapted to extreme ranges in climatic, edaphic, and other environmental variables. Whether they occur in extreme climates such as alpine summits or inland deserts, in habitats frequently disturbed by fire or floods, or on edaphic islands created by unique geologies or anthropogenic contamination, the adaptations demonstrated by organisms found in such environments shed light on basic and applied aspects of ecology and evolution. This volume brings together current research on plants, fungi and microbes from harsh environments to reveal underlying patterns and common themes of these especially challenging habitats. Topics include the role of bedrock geochemistry and soil evolutionary processes in generating extreme habitats; the biology, ecology, and evolution of non-vascular and vascular plants, lichens, herbivores and pathogens, mycorrhizal fungi, and other beneficial microbes found in extreme environments. Habitats discussed in the book include alpine and arctic settings, fire-prone Mediterranean climates, serpentine outcrops, gypsum soils, metal-rich mine tailings, and saline soils. In addition to summarizing current research, we highlight new tools and emerging techniques in high-throughput phenotyping, genomics, and phylogenetics that are being used to develop our understanding of evolution in harsh environments. We also emphasise results gained from classical ecological approaches which have allowed us to examine adaptation to and evolution in harsh environments. In addition to discussing basic research, we cover applied work focusing on the threats posed by climate change and other anthropogenic impacts as well as efforts to restore and protect extreme habitats and the unique organisms they harbour. Finally, we discuss the uses of plant species found in extreme environments for agriculture and biotechnology, including the relatively new fields of phytoremediation and phytomining. The work highlighted in this volume demonstrates what these species and their environments have taught us about ecological and evolutionary theory, conservation, and restoration: knowledge that can be applied well beyond the habitats and species described in this book.

Attribution of Extreme Weather Events in the Context of Climate Change

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309380979
Total Pages : 187 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis Attribution of Extreme Weather Events in the Context of Climate Change by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Attribution of Extreme Weather Events in the Context of Climate Change written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2016-07-28 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As climate has warmed over recent years, a new pattern of more frequent and more intense weather events has unfolded across the globe. Climate models simulate such changes in extreme events, and some of the reasons for the changes are well understood. Warming increases the likelihood of extremely hot days and nights, favors increased atmospheric moisture that may result in more frequent heavy rainfall and snowfall, and leads to evaporation that can exacerbate droughts. Even with evidence of these broad trends, scientists cautioned in the past that individual weather events couldn't be attributed to climate change. Now, with advances in understanding the climate science behind extreme events and the science of extreme event attribution, such blanket statements may not be accurate. The relatively young science of extreme event attribution seeks to tease out the influence of human-cause climate change from other factors, such as natural sources of variability like El Niño, as contributors to individual extreme events. Event attribution can answer questions about how much climate change influenced the probability or intensity of a specific type of weather event. As event attribution capabilities improve, they could help inform choices about assessing and managing risk, and in guiding climate adaptation strategies. This report examines the current state of science of extreme weather attribution, and identifies ways to move the science forward to improve attribution capabilities.

Past and Future Rapid Environmental Changes

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Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3642605990
Total Pages : 520 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (426 download)

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Book Synopsis Past and Future Rapid Environmental Changes by : Brian Huntley

Download or read book Past and Future Rapid Environmental Changes written by Brian Huntley and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-06-29 with total page 520 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Numerous experts including ecologists, geneticists, paleontologists and climatologists, investigate the response of terrestrial organisms to changes in their environment. The volume comprises an introductory and a final chapter by the editors as well as another 35 contributions. These are divided into six sections: 1. past environmental changes - the late-Quaternary; 2. spatial responses to past changes; 3. mechanisms enabling spatial responses; 4. evolutionary responses to past changes; 5. mechanisms enabling evolutionary responses; 6. predicted future environmental changes and simulated responses. The overwhelming and unanimous conclusion of all contributors is that forecasted global environmental changes pose a severe threat to the integrity of ecosystems worldwide and to the survival of at least some species.

Climate Change

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309302021
Total Pages : 62 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (93 download)

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Book Synopsis Climate Change by : The Royal Society

Download or read book Climate Change written by The Royal Society and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2014-02-26 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Climate Change: Evidence and Causes is a jointly produced publication of The US National Academy of Sciences and The Royal Society. Written by a UK-US team of leading climate scientists and reviewed by climate scientists and others, the publication is intended as a brief, readable reference document for decision makers, policy makers, educators, and other individuals seeking authoritative information on the some of the questions that continue to be asked. Climate Change makes clear what is well-established and where understanding is still developing. It echoes and builds upon the long history of climate-related work from both national academies, as well as on the newest climate-change assessment from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It touches on current areas of active debate and ongoing research, such as the link between ocean heat content and the rate of warming.

Solid-Earth Sciences and Society

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309047390
Total Pages : 369 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

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Book Synopsis Solid-Earth Sciences and Society by : National Research Council

Download or read book Solid-Earth Sciences and Society written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1993-02-01 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As environmental problems move upward on the public agenda, our knowledge of the earth's systems and how to sustain the habitability of our world becomes more critical. This volume reports on the state of earth science and outlines a research agenda, with priorities keyed to the real-world challenges facing human society. The product of four years of development with input from more than 200 earth-science specialists, the volume offers a wealth of historical background and current information on: Plate tectonics, volcanism, and other heat-generated earth processes. Evolution of our global environment and of life itself, as revealed in the fossil record. Human exploitation of water, fossil fuels, and minerals. Interaction between human populations and the earth's surface, discussing the role we play in earth's systems and the dangers we face from natural hazards such as earthquakes and landslides. This volume offers a comprehensive look at how earth science is currently practiced and what should be done to train professionals and adequately equip them to find the answers necessary to manage more effectively the earth's systems. This well-organized and practical book will be of immediate interest to solid-earth scientists, researchers, and college and high school faculty, as well as policymakers in the environmental arena.

Human Physiology in Extreme Environments

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Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 012815943X
Total Pages : 376 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

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Book Synopsis Human Physiology in Extreme Environments by : Hanns-Christian Gunga

Download or read book Human Physiology in Extreme Environments written by Hanns-Christian Gunga and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-10-18 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human Physiology in Extreme Environments, Second Edition, offers evidence on how human biology and physiology is affected by extreme environments, also highlighting technological innovations that allow us to adapt and regulate environments. Covering a broad range of extreme environments, including high altitude, underwater, tropical climates, desert climates, arctic climates and space travel, the book also includes case studies that can be used to illustrate practical application. Graduate students, medical students and researchers will find this to be an interesting, informative and useful resource for human physiology, environmental physiology and medical studies. Includes coverage of current global challenges and their consequences on human physiology and performance Presents human physiological challenges in extreme environments Provides an excellent source of information on paleontological and anthropological aspects Offers practical medical and scientific uses of current concepts

Climate Change and Life

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Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0128225688
Total Pages : 284 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (282 download)

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Book Synopsis Climate Change and Life by : Gabriel M. Filippelli

Download or read book Climate Change and Life written by Gabriel M. Filippelli and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2022-11-15 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Climate Change and Life: The Complex Co-evolution of Climate and Life on Earth, and Beyond covers the critical tectonic and biogeochemical cycles that drive climate and shape the modern world. It compares the history of Earth to the histories of Venus and Mars, including new findings of Martian climate change. The book is multidisciplinary and will instruct readers on the range of extremes in climate and biogeochemical cycling that shape life on Earth. Topics covered include climate drivers on Earth (atmospheric gases, non-gaseous particulates in the atmosphere, etc.), various techniques to assess past climates, mass extension drivers, and future predictions. The book takes a long view on climate change and evolution while also focusing on defining moments in Earth history where critical thresholds and events occur. Climate scientists, earth scientists, environmental scientists and researchers in all other areas related to climate change will find value in the research presented in this book. Examines the link between climate change and extinctions in the geosphere, atmosphere and biosphere Discusses how the ongoing influences of climate change will continue to shape a planet heading towards extremes Includes author videos to further explain the topics and research discussed in the book

What Does it Mean to be Human?

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Publisher : National Geographic Books
ISBN 13 : 1426206062
Total Pages : 180 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (262 download)

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Book Synopsis What Does it Mean to be Human? by : Richard Potts

Download or read book What Does it Mean to be Human? written by Richard Potts and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2010 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This generously illustrated book tells the story of the human family, showing how our species' physical traits and behaviors evolved over millions of years as our ancestors adapted to dramatic environmental changes. In What Does It Means to Be Human? Rick Potts, director of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program, and Chris Sloan, National Geographic's paleoanthropolgy expert, delve into our distant past to explain when, why, and how we acquired the unique biological and cultural qualities that govern our most fundamental connections and interactions with other people and with the natural world. Drawing on the latest research, they conclude that we are the last survivors of a once-diverse family tree, and that our evolution was shaped by one of the most unstable eras in Earth's environmental history. The book presents a wealth of attractive new material especially developed for the Hall's displays, from life-like reconstructions of our ancestors sculpted by the acclaimed John Gurche to photographs from National Geographic and Smithsonian archives, along with informative graphics and illustrations. In coordination with the exhibit opening, the PBS program NOVA will present a related three-part television series, and the museum will launch a website expected to draw 40 million visitors.

Effects of Past Global Change on Life

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Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309051274
Total Pages : 267 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)

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Book Synopsis Effects of Past Global Change on Life by : National Research Council

Download or read book Effects of Past Global Change on Life written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1995-02-01 with total page 267 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What can we expect as global change progresses? Will there be thresholds that trigger sudden shifts in environmental conditionsâ€"or that cause catastrophic destruction of life? Effects of Past Global Change on Life explores what earth scientists are learning about the impact of large-scale environmental changes on ancient lifeâ€"and how these findings may help us resolve today's environmental controversies. Leading authorities discuss historical climate trends and what can be learned from the mass extinctions and other critical periods about the rise and fall of plant and animal species in response to global change. The volume develops a picture of how environmental change has closed some evolutionary doors while opening othersâ€"including profound effects on the early members of the human family. An expert panel offers specific recommendations on expanding research and improving investigative toolsâ€"and targets historical periods and geological and biological patterns with the most promise of shedding light on future developments. This readable and informative book will be of special interest to professionals in the earth sciences and the environmental community as well as concerned policymakers.

Microbial Evolution under Extreme Conditions

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Publisher : Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
ISBN 13 : 3110340712
Total Pages : 290 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (13 download)

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Book Synopsis Microbial Evolution under Extreme Conditions by : Corien Bakermans

Download or read book Microbial Evolution under Extreme Conditions written by Corien Bakermans and published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. This book was released on 2015-03-10 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Today's microorganisms represent the vast majority of biodiversity on Earth and have survived nearly 4 billion years of evolutionary change. However, we still know little about the processes of evolution as applied to microorganisms and microbial populations. Microbial evolution occurred and continues to take place in a vast variety of environmental conditions that range from anoxic to oxic, from hot to cold, from free-living to symbiotic, etc. Some of these physicochemical conditions are considered "extreme", particularly when inhabitants are limited to microorganisms. It is easy to imagine that microbial life in extreme environments is somehow more constrained and perhaps subjected to different evolutionary pressures. But what do we actually know about microbial evolution under extreme conditions and how can we apply that knowledge to other conditions? Appealingly, extreme environments with their relatively limited numbers of inhabitants can serve as good model systems for the study of evolutionary processes. A look at the microbial inhabitants of today's extreme environments provides a snapshot in time of evolution and adaptation to extreme conditions. These adaptations manifest at different levels from established communities and species to genome content and changes in specific genes that result in altered function or gene expression. But as a recent (2011) report from the American Academy of Microbiology observes: "A complex issue in the study of microbial evolution is unraveling the process of evolution from that of adaptation. In many cases, microbes have the capacity to adapt to various environmental changes by changing gene expression or community composition as opposed to having to evolve entirely new capabilities." We have learned much about how microbes are adapted to extreme conditions but relatively little is known about these adaptations evolved. How did the different processes of evolution such as mutation, immigration, horizontal (lateral) gene transfer, recombination, hybridization, genetic drift, fixation, positive and negative selection, and selective screens contribute to the evolution of these genes, genomes, microbial species, communities, and functions? What are typical rates of these processes? How prevalent are each of these processes under different conditions? This book explores the current state of knowledge about microbial evolution under extreme conditions and addresses the following questions: What is known about the processes of microbial evolution (mechanisms, rates, etc.) under extreme conditions? Can this knowledge be applied to other systems and what is the broader relevance? What remains unknown and requires future research? These questions will be addressed from several perspectives including different extreme environments, specific organisms, and specific evolutionary processes.

Antarctic Climate Evolution

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Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 9780080931616
Total Pages : 606 pages
Book Rating : 4.9/5 (316 download)

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Book Synopsis Antarctic Climate Evolution by : Fabio Florindo

Download or read book Antarctic Climate Evolution written by Fabio Florindo and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2008-10-10 with total page 606 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Antarctic Climate Evolution is the first book dedicated to furthering knowledge on the evolution of the world’s largest ice sheet over its ~34 million year history. This volume provides the latest information on subjects ranging from terrestrial and marine geology to sedimentology and glacier geophysics. An overview of Antarctic climate change, analyzing historical, present-day and future developments Contributions from leading experts and scholars from around the world Informs and updates climate change scientists and experts in related areas of study

Life in Extreme Environments

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Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1108580270
Total Pages : 383 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (85 download)

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Book Synopsis Life in Extreme Environments by : Guido di Prisco

Download or read book Life in Extreme Environments written by Guido di Prisco and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2020-10-15 with total page 383 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From deep ocean trenches and the geographical poles to outer space, organisms can be found living in remarkably extreme conditions. This book provides a captivating account of these systems and their extraordinary inhabitants, 'extremophiles'. A diverse, multidisciplinary group of experts discuss responses and adaptations to change; biodiversity, bioenergetic processes, and biotic and abiotic interactions; polar environments; and life and habitability, including searching for biosignatures in the extraterrestrial environment. The editors emphasize that understanding these systems is important for increasing our knowledge and utilizing their potential, but this remains an understudied area. Given the threat to these environments and their biota caused by climate change and human impact, this timely book also addresses the urgency to document these systems. It will help graduate students and researchers in conservation, marine biology, evolutionary biology, environmental change and astrobiology better understand how life exists in these environments and their susceptibility or resilience to change.

Living in a Dangerous Climate

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Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781139417853
Total Pages : 256 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (178 download)

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Book Synopsis Living in a Dangerous Climate by : Renée Hetherington

Download or read book Living in a Dangerous Climate written by Renée Hetherington and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Living in a Dangerous Climate provides a journey through human and Earth history, showing how a changing climate has affected human evolution and society. Is it possible for humanity to evolve quickly, or is slow, gradual, genetic evolution the only way we change? Why did all other Homo species go extinct while Homo sapiens became dominant? How did agriculture, domestication, and the use of fossil fuels affect humanity's growing dominance? Do today's dominant societies - devoted as they are to Darwinism and "survival of the fittest"--Contribute to our current failure to meet the hazards of a dangerous climate? Unique and thought provoking, the book links scientific knowledge and perspectives of evolution, climate change, and economics in a way that is accessible and exciting for the general reader. The book is also valuable for courses on climate change, human evolution, and environmental science"--