The field of planetary biology and chemical evolution draws together experts in astronomy, paleobiology, biochemistry, and space science who work together to understand the evolution of living systems.
This field has made exciting discoveries that shed light on how organic compounds came together to form self-replicating molecules--the origin of life.
This volume updates that progress and offers recommendations on research programs--including an ambitious effort centered on Mars--to advance the field over the next 10 to 15 years.
The book presents a wide range of data and research results on these and other issues:
This volume will become required reading for anyone involved in the search for life's beginnings--including exobiologists, geoscientists, planetary scientists, and U.S. space and science policymakers.
Table of Contents |
skim chapter | |
---|---|---|
Front Matter | i-xii | |
Executive Summary | 1-15 | |
1. Overview | 16-20 | |
2. The Cosmic History of the Biogenic Elements and Compounds | 21-55 | |
3. Early Planetary Environments: Implications for Chemical Evolution and the Origin of Life | 56-77 | |
4. The Origin of Life | 78-90 | |
5. The Evolution of Cellular and Multicellular Life | 91-104 | |
6. Search for Life Outside the Solar System | 105-122 | |
7. Major Research Recommendations | 123-129 | |
8. Space Science Program and Policy Issues | 130-132 | |
References | 133-134 | |
Glossary | 135-138 | |
Appendix | 139-140 | |
Index | 141-148 |
The National Academies Press and the Transportation Research Board have partnered with Copyright Clearance Center to offer a variety of options for reusing our content. You may request permission to:
For most Academic and Educational uses no royalties will be charged although you are required to obtain a license and comply with the license terms and conditions.
For information on how to request permission to translate our work and for any other rights related query please click here.
For questions about using the Copyright.com service, please contact:
Copyright Clearance Center
22 Rosewood Drive
Danvers, MA 01923
Tel (toll free): 855/239-3415 (select option 1)
E-mail: info@copyright.com
Web: https://www.copyright.com
Loading stats for The Search for Life's Origins: Progress and Future Directions in Planetary Biology and Chemical Evolution...