Gaia's Body: Toward a Physiology of Earth

摘要: The concept of Gaia resonates with a wide range people -- from nature lovers, theologians, and philosophers to environmental earth systems scientists. term, which scientist James Lovelock, originator the hyposthesis, borrowed Greek mythology, refers interacting system life, soil, atmosphere, ocean. Like interiors organisms, contains complex cycles material transformations driven by biological energy. Gaia's inclusion life means that some perspectives it resembles life. But also differs organisms in significant ways. Although has changed through time, does not evolve Darwinian sense. Whereas are open, flow-through systems, is relatively closed transfer across its borders. It exists according own level operating rules, as subject emerging field known Earth physiology, or geophysiology.Blending science evocative imagery, Body offers an engaging introduction this new field. explains how every important chemical atmosphere regulated living processes why, for example, strange, spaghetti-like bacteria off coast Chile have intimate connection plants Long Island backyards; why "biochemical guilds" may be Earth's most unit life; scientists detected biosphere's "breathing." book includes Preface written paperback edition.