Life in Extreme Environments: Insights in Biological Capability

Organisms can be found living in extreme conditions, such as deep ocean trenches, geographical poles, and outer space. This book discusses responses and adaptations to change, biodiversity, bioenergetic processes, biotic and abiotic interactions, polar environments, and life and habitability, including searching for biosignatures in the extraterrestrial environment. Understanding these systems is important for increasing knowledge and utilizing their potential, but this remains an understudied area.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 396 pages
\n Publication date: 15 October 2020
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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Organisms have been discovered thriving in incredibly harsh environments, ranging from the depths of the ocean trenches to the geographical poles and even beyond our planet's atmosphere. This captivating book delves into the intricate details of these remarkable systems and their extraordinary inhabitants, known as extremophiles. A diverse and multidisciplinary team of experts comes together to explore various aspects of these organisms' adaptations to change, including biodiversity, bioenergetic processes, biotic and abiotic interactions, polar environments, and the search for potential biosignatures in extraterrestrial habitats. The editors emphasize the significance of understanding these complex systems in order to enhance our knowledge and harness their potential. However, this field remains relatively understudied, highlighting the urgent need for further exploration. Recognizing the threats posed by climate change and human activities, this timely book also addresses the critical importance of documenting these environments and their biota. It serves as a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers in conservation, marine biology, evolutionary biology, environmental change, and astrobiology, aiding in their understanding of how life thrives in these challenging environments and their resilience or susceptibility to change.

\n Weight: 778g\n
Dimension: 169 x 243 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108724203\n \n