The Biosphere

About this book

This leading text in environmental science has been thoroughly overhauled to include new developments, discoveries and emerging areas of controversy, including an entirely new section on the `Geography of the Biosphere'.

Contents

THE UNITY OF LIFE. Levels of Organization. Chemical Composition of the Biota. Genes, Chromosomes and Reproduction. Evolution. The Classification of Organisms. Energy, Nutrients and Life Processes. ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION. Photosynthesis and Primary Production. Heterotrophic Organisms and Secondary Production. The Transfer of Energy and Matter Through Ecosystems. Biogeochemical Cycling. THE HISTORY OF THE BIOPHERE. Understanding the Past. Life in the Archaean and Proterozoic Aeons. Life in the Phanerozoic Aeon. SPATIAL ASPECTS OF THE BIOSPHERE. The Geography of Taxa. Biogeographical Zones. Geographical Aspects of Biodiversity. Glossary. Index.

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