The study of life in our universe has been given the name 'astrobiology'. It is a relatively new subject, but not a new discipline since it brings together several mature fields of science including astronomy, geology, biology, and climatology. Astrobiology of earth adopts a unique approach that differs from most texts in the field which focus on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. In contrast, the central theme of this book is the fortuitous combination of numerous cosmic factors that together produced the special environment which enabled the emergence, persistence and evolution of life on our own planet, culminating in humanity. This book contributes to our understanding of astrobiology from the perspective of life on earth and especially human welfare and survival. Astronomical and geological phenomena are related in turn to their biological relevance and impact.

• Category Type: Geology
• Author: Joseph Gale
• ISBN: 9780199205813
• Binding: Paperback
• Book Language: English
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Number of Pages: 264
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 23.9 x 16.7 x 1.3 cm
• Product weight: 0.5 kg
• Publication Year: 2009
• Series: Oxford Biology
• Book Origin: United Kingdom