作者: Christopher McGowan
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摘要: In "Diatoms to Dinosaurs," Chris McGowan takes the reader on a fascinating journey through natural world, and examines life in all its various forms. He imparts excitement of discovery joy understanding as he demonstrates central importance size scale survival living organisms.McGowan investigates wide range size-related phenomena, from gliding mechanism diatoms blood pressure problems dinosaurs. Questions asked -- answered include: Will we ever see giant insects pterodactyls? Why are ants so much stronger relative body than elephants? What do clam, condor, tortoise, sturgeon have common? How did skeleton 28-ton Apatosaurus support weight? can get heart head giraffe without rupturing vessels? The author explicates scientific concepts both physical biological needed inform relevant phenomena: area/volume relations, metabolism other basic physiology, kinetic energy, inertial forces, biology senescence, boundary layers, Reynolds numbers. Numerous illustrations scattered throughout text make biophysical principles easily comprehensible readers, regardless their sophistication.