Dorion Sagan

Lynn Margulis

Chronicles the evolution of life on Earth, focusing on the microcosm researchers believe life began with.

Four Billion Years of Microbial Evolution

Microcosmos

Named ”best biology book of the year” by Library Journal, Symbiotic Planet describes how symbiosis is the key to understanding the origins of cells, the evolution of sex, the emergence of life on land, and even the physiology of our planet.

A New Look at Evolution

Symbiotic Planet

The Theory of the Origins of the Species

Acquiring Genomes

The Gaia theory states that on Earth, life interacts with and eventually becomes its own environment. Gaia is a holistic perspective asserting that the Earth is a self-regulating complex system, resonant with the ancient magico-religious understanding that all is one. Innovated by the atmospheric chemist James Lovelock, supported by microbiologist Lynn Margulis and named by novelist William Golding, Gaia states that the temperature and composition of the Earth's atmosphere are actively regulated by the sum of life on the planet, which, seeking a physical and chemical environment optimal for contemporary life, influences the physical attributes of Earth on a planetary scale. In the way that the human mind extends DNA, the atmosphere is an extension of the biosphere: as above, so below. Fusing science, mathematics, philosophy, ecology and mythology, Gaia and Philosophy challenges the anthropocentrism of Western rationalist thought to propose a symbiotic planet. In its striking philosophical conclusion - that the cybernetic control of the Earth's surface by its organisms calls into question the alleged uniqueness of human intelligent consciousness - the revolutionary Gaia paradigm holds important implications not only for understanding life's past but for shaping its future.

Gaia and Philosophy

Lewis Thomas

the life and legacy of a scientific rebel

Transcending the various formal concepts of life, this captivating book offers a unique overview of life's history, essences, and future. "A masterpiece of scientific writing. You will cherish "What Is Life?" because it is so rich in poetry and science in the service of profound philosophical questions".--Mitchell Thomashow, "Orion". 9 photos. 11 line illustrations.

What Is Life?

Microcosmos és la història de la vida a la Terra. Quatre mil anys d’evolució des que els primers éssers vius més simples feren aparició fins a la diversitat de formes i espècies de l’actualitat. La primera meitat d’aquesta història és protagonitzada exclusivament per bacteris, els autèntics artífexs de tots els éssers vius que existeixen. La segona meitat fins als nostres dies, encara que la majoria de nosaltres no en siguem conscients, continua depenent fonamentalment d’aquests éssers microscòpics. Ells inventaren totes les vies metabòliques que es produeixen al nostre interior, dotaren d’oxigen la nostra atmosfera i crearen les nostres cèl•lules..Aquesta és una història d’evolució on la simbiosi juga un paper fonamental. Els éssers vius no només competeixen per la supervivència; en ocasions la unió d’alguns d’ells pot donar lloc a nous éssers, molt més complexos i preparats per fer front al seu ambient. Aquestes simbiogènesis han estat alguns dels esdeveniments més importants en l’evolució de la vida al nostre planeta.

Microcosmos. Quatre mil milions d'anys d'evolució des dels nostres ancestres microbians

Heather I. McKhann

Lorraine Olendzenski

For researchers, teachers, and students who deal with eukaryotic microorganisms, this comprehensive guide contains current information on the protoctists and their descendants (exclusive of the animals, fungi, and plants). It represents an illustrated abbreviated version of Handbook of Protoctista (Jones & Bartlett, 1990). Extensively illustrated with drawings, light and electron micrographs, and includes photographs of leading contributors to protoctist research. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Vocabulary of the Algae, Apicomplexa, Ciliates, Foraminifera, Microspora, Water Molds, Slime Molds, and the Other Protoctists

Illustrated Glossary of Protoctista

This is an edited record of the dialogue of eminent scientists attending the third conference in the series on the Origins of Life, supported by a grant from the Biosciences Program of the National Aeronautics and Space Ad ministration. The first conference at Princeton, 1967, was held under the direction of Dr. Frank Fremont-Smith at the time when the Interdisciplinary Communications Program (ICP) was associated with the New York Academy of Sciences. was integrated into the Office of the Assistant Secretary for In 1968, ICP Science of the Smithsonian Institution, and the entire operation was set up in Washington, D.C. The second conference, also in Princeton, was held in 1968. (See Margulis, ed. 1970 and 1971 for previously published proceed ings.) The third conference was held at Santa Ynez, California, Feb. 27 - March I, 1970. The proceedings are recorded and edited by the Interdisciplinary Communi cations Associates, Inc. (lCA, a nonprofit foundation), for ICP. Dr. Lynn Margulis, the Scientific Editor of the series, has been assisted by Barbara Miranda. Harriet Eklund is the ICP Staff Editor. ICA was formed to encourage effective interchange and interaction among the various scientific and social disciplines and to aid in the solutions of scien tific and social problems. Currently its primary concern is with assisting ICP. M. C. Shelesnyak, Ph.D. Director, Interdisciplinary Communications Program Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C.

Planetary Astronomy

Proceedings of the Third Conference on Origins of Life

Eduardo Punset

Nearly forty of the world's most esteemed scientists discuss the big questions that drive their illustrious careers. Co-editor Eduardo Punset—one of Spain's most loved personages for his popularization of the sciences—interviews an impressive collection of characters drawing out the seldom seen personalities of the world's most important men and woman of science. In Mind, Life and Universe they describe in their own words the most important and fascinating aspects of their research. Frank and often irreverent, these interviews will keep even the most casual reader of science books rapt for hours. Can brain science explain feelings of happiness and despair? Is it true that chimpanzees are just like us when it comes to sexual innuendo? Is there any hard evidence that life exists anywhere other than on the Earth? Through Punset's skillful questioning, readers will meet one scientist who is passionate about the genetic control of everything and another who spends her every waking hour making sure African ecosystems stay intact. The men and women assembled here by Lynn Margulis and Eduardo Punset will provide a source of endless interest. In captivating conversations with such science luminaries as Jane Goodall, James E. Lovelock, Oliver Sachs, and E. O. Wilson, Punset reveals a hidden world of intellectual interests, verve, and humor. Science enthusiasts and general readers alike will devour Mind, Life and Universe, breathless and enchanted by its truths.

Conversations with Great Scientists of Our Time

Mind, Life and Universe

A distinguished microbiologist explains the importance of symbiosis - where different organisms contribute to each other's support - and how this is changing our view of life on Earth Lynn Margulis is an ardent supporter of the Gaia hypothesis: the idea that due to the finely balanced interdependence of all life forms, the planet functions as a single, giant cell. She argues that no organism is an island, and that all are linked to each other. Written with tremendous zest and authority The Symbiotic Planet traces the evolution of Earth from the origins of life and sex to the emergence of 'hyperseas' and an eerie future she describes for humanity.

A New Look At Evolution

The Symbiotic Planet

Five Kingdoms: An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth was a groundbreaking work when first published in 1982 and this sweeping perspective of life's diversity has now been updated to include information on the impact of molecular biol.

An Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth

Five Kingdoms

Karlene V. Schwarz

Provides an expert overview of all of the 92 phyla living today, with examples from select genera. Includes over 500 illustrations, photographs and several QuickTime videos. Most of the 500 specific drawings and pictures have hyperlinked explanatory text clips! An interactive habitat key allows the user to discover where these organisms live and an illustrated glossary defines more than 700 scientific terms.

A Multimedia Guide to the Phyla of Life on Earth

Karlene V. Schwartz

Michael Dolan

This text provides a rich understanding and appreciation of the world's biodiversity by presenting examples of each of the some 100 major groups (phyla) illustrated in their natural habitats. Includes: - Introduction - Monera - Protoctista - Fungi - Animalia - Plantae - Appendix classification - Glossary

A Guide to the Diversity of Life on Earth

The Illustrated Five Kingdoms

Defines and describes the major divisions, or phyla, of nature's five great kingdoms--bacteria, protoctists, animals, fungi, and plants.

An all-inclusive catalogue of the world's living diversity, "Five Kingdoms defines and describes the major divisions of nature's five great kingdoms--bacteria, protoctists, animals, fungi, and plants--using a modern classification scheme that is consistent with both the fossil record and molecular data. Generously illustrated and easy to follow, it not only allows students to sample the full range of life forms inhabiting our planet but to familiarize themselves with the taxonomic theories by which all organisms' origins and distinctive characteristics are traced and classified. This completely revised and updated third edition includes an introduction by Stephen Jay Gould. * New ideas on molecular systematics, symbiogenisis, and the place of microbes in the evolution of life * Newly expanded chapter openings that define each kingdom and place its members in context in time and space * Definitions of terms in the glossary and, now, also appropriately placed throughout the book * A new table comparing the main features of each kingdom, showing the logic of the overall classification scheme * A list of prehistoric dioramas in science museums and in U.S. national parks and monuments guiding readers to trips to the past * A list of websites directing students to additional information

Michael J Chapman

Now published by Academic Press and revised from the author's previous Five Kingdoms 3rd edition, this extraordinary, all inclusive catalogue of the world’s living organisms describes the diversity of the major groups, or phyla, of nature’s most inclusive taxa. Developed after consultation with specialists, this modern classification scheme is consistent both with the fossil record and with recent molecular, morphological and metabolic data. Generously illustrated, now in full color, Kingdoms and Domains is remarkably easy to read. It accesses the full range of life forms that still inhabit our planet and logically and explicitly classifies them according to their evolutionary relationships. Definitive characteristics of each phylum are professionally described in ways that, unlike most scientific literature, profoundly respect the needs of educators, students and nature lovers. This work is meant to be of interest to all evolutionists as well as to conservationists, ecologists, genomicists, geographers, microbiologists, museum curators, oceanographers, paleontologists and especially nature lovers whether artists, gardeners or environmental activists. Kingdoms and Domains is a unique and indispensable reference for anyone intrigued by a planetary phenomenon: the spectacular diversity of life, both microscopic and macroscopic, as we know it only on Earth today. • New Foreword by Edward O. Wilson • The latest concepts of molecular systematics, symbiogenesis, and the evolutionary importance of microbes • Newly expanded chapter openings that define each kingdom and place its members in context in geological time and ecological space • Definitions of terms in the glossary and throughout the book • Ecostrips, illustrations that place organisms in their most likely environments such as deep sea vents, tropical forests, deserts or hot sulfur springs • A new table that compares features of the most inclusive taxa • Application of a logical, authoritative, inclusive and coherent overall classification scheme based on evolutionary principles

Kingdoms and Domains

Lii͡a Nikolaevna Khakhina

Mark A. McMenamin

Symbiogenesis, a term first coined by the Russian botanist K. S. Merezhkovsky in the late nineteenth century, is the evolution of new life forms from the physical union of different, once-independent partners. In this book Khakhina traces the development of the concept in Russian and Soviet scientific literature, reviewing the contributions of Merezhkovsky, A. S. Famintsyn, B. M. Kozo-Polyansky, and other prominent Russian scientists to theories of the role of symbiosis as a source of evolutionary information. This book provides new information for English-speaking scientists. The evolutionary implications of symbiosis have only recently been acknowledged by western scientists, and the sophisticated analysis by Russian biologists described by Khakhina is largely unknown. Lynn Margulis and Mark McMenamin have written an introduction to Khakhina's book (Published in the Soviet Union in 1979). The appendix by Donna C. Mehos describes the American anatomist Ivan E. Wallin, whose theory of symbionticism - species origin by the acquisition of microbial symbionts - was definitively rejected by his peers. The book is essential for anyone wishing to understand a topic of overwhelming importance for evolutionary biology and the history of science.

Lynn Margulis

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