Anoxia: Evidence for Eukaryote Survival and Paleontological Strategies
NEW
Edited by Alexander V Altenbach, Joan M Bernhard and Joseph Seckbach
648 pages, 90 colour & 109 b/w illustrations.
- Description
- Images (1)
- Contents
- Write a review
Anoxia defines the lack of free molecular oxygen in an environment. In the presence of organic matter, anaerobic prokaryotes produce compounds such as
free radicals, hydrogen sulfide, or methane that are typically toxic to aerobes. The concomitance of suppressed respiration and presence of toxic
substances suggests these habitats are inhospitable to Eukaryota. Ecologists sometimes term such environments 'Death Zones'. This book presents,
however, a collection of remarkable adaptations to anoxia, observed in Eukaryotes such as protists, animals, plants and fungi. Case studies provide
evidence for controlled beneficial use of anoxia by, for example, modification of free radicals, use of alternative electron donors for anaerobic
metabolic pathways, and employment of anaerobic symbionts. The complex, interwoven existence of oxic and anoxic conditions in space and time is also
highlighted as is the idea that eukaryotic inhabitation of anoxic habitats was established early in Earth history.
Other titles in related geozones:
Other titles in related subjects:
All titles in Environmental Science: General combined with Oceans (General)
Other products from the same publisher
related organisations include:
Friends of the Earth Europe
Natural Environment Research Council
If you are involved in a scientific, conservation or environmental organisation and would like to be listed, please see our NHBS-Xchange information page.
Subject







