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Life in Extreme Environments

Insights in Biological Capability

Howell G M Edwards editor Guido di Prisco editor Josef Elster editor Ad H L Huiskes editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:15th Oct '20

Should be back in stock very soon

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Life in Extreme Environments cover

A diverse account of how life exists in extreme environments and these systems' susceptibility and resilience to climate change.

From the geographical poles to outer space, this book provides a multidisciplinary account of the adaptations and responses of biota living in extreme environments, and these systems' susceptibility and resilience to change. A must-read for graduate students and researchers in conservation, marine biology, evolutionary biology, and astrobiology.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.

'… the volume establishes a baseline for this new field of study in which the relevant environments have only recently become accessible but face significant threats from climate change and human actions.' L. S. Zipp, Choice
'… the volume is interesting, stimulating, and thought-provoking. It points toward many important and potentially useful directions for both basic and applied research. The technical level at which most chapters are written will probably limit their accessibility to general audiences. The two chapters on astrobiology will appeal to anyone interested in space exploration.' Malcolm S. Gordon, The Quarterly Review of Biology

ISBN: 9781108724203

Dimensions: 243mm x 170mm x 20mm

Weight: 780g

396 pages