Life in the Universe Expectations and Constraints /

• Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Other Authors: Schulze-Makuch, Dirk (Editor), Irwin, Louis N. (Editor)
• Format: Electronic eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2008.
• Series: Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics,
• Subjects: Life sciences.; Geology.; Geobiology.; Biochemistry.; Space sciences.; Astrobiology.; Life Sciences.; Life Sciences, general.; Biogeosciences.; Biochemistry, general.; Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Sciences.

Energy, chemistry, solvents, and habitats -- the basic elements of living systems - define the opportunities and limitations for life on other worlds. This class-tested text examines each of these parameters in crucial depth and makes the argument that life forms we would recognize may be more commo...

Table of Contents:

• Definition of Life
• Origin of Life
• Lessons from the History of Life on Earth
• Energy Sources and Life
• Building Blocks of Life
• Life and the Need for a Solvent
• Habitats of Life
• Ideas of Exotic Forms of Life
• The Future and Fate of Living Systems
• Signatures of Life
• Life Detection-Past and Present
• Optimizing Space Exploration.