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Life at the Limits

Organisms in Extreme Environments

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Paperback | 10 September 2007

At a Glance

Paperback
320 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.83

Paperback

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Frogs that freeze solid, worms that dry out, and bacteria that survive temperatures over 100C are all organisms that have an extreme biology, which involves many aspects of their physiology, ecology, and evolution. These organisms live in seemingly impossible places and exhibit fascinating behavior. In this captivating account, the reader is taken on a tour of extreme environments, and shown the remarkable abilities of organisms to survive a range of extreme conditions, such as high and low temperatures and desiccation. Examples include:

Hydrothermal vents

Hot and cold deserts

Polar regions

hot springs

alpine and winter temperate environments

ocean depths, salt lakes, soda lakes, and estuarine muds, among other environments. Life at the Limits considers how organisms survive major stresses, and what extreme organisms can tell us about the origin of life and the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. David Wharton is a Senior Lecturer in Zoology at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. He has focused his research on the survival abilities of nematodes, resulting in the publication of over 75 research papers and one book, The Functional Biology of Nematodes (Croom Helm, 1986). His contribution to research was recognized by the award of the degree Doctor of Science by the University of Bristol in 1997. Recently, Wharton has become interested in the popularization of science through his involvement in the establishment of a Postgraduate Diploma in Natural History, Filmmaking and Communication, a collaboration between the University of Otago and Natural History New Zealand, a producer of natural history films based in Dunedin.

Industry Reviews

'... a thorough and thoughtful survey of life under conditions that we humans ... tend to see as extreme.' New Scientist 'David Wharton's enthralling account of Life at the Limits [is] a survey not only of behaviour and physiology, but also some of the biochemical adaptations that characterise the ability of different organisms to survive the trials of their respective environments.' Cath O'Driscoll, Chemistry in Britain '... my students and I will enjoy consulting this book in the years to come for its coverage, enjoyable style and background material.' Lynn Rothschild, Nature 'Highly recommended ...' P. R. Douville, CHOICE '... a stimulating introduction to a fascinating aspect of biology. The author's own enthusiasm for his subject should be a valuable spur to young biologists.' Biologist 'This is an enjoyable and up-to-date book'. The Open University Geological Society Journal '... presents the challenges of environmental extremes in an accessible style.' Times Higher Education Supplement 'Life at the Limits is an excellent description of how (mainly) microorganisms can exist at extremes in the environment ... this book is easily understandable and provides fascinating background information for the budding astrobiologist, as well as an excellent account of life in extreme environments on our own planet.' Sky and Telescope

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Preface
Introduction: extreme life
Be it ever so humble ..
Life without water
The hot club
Cold Lazarus
More tough choices
'It's life, Jim, but not as we know it!'
An extreme biology
Bibliography
Glossary
Index
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Life at the Limits

Organisms in Extreme Environments

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

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