Tales From The Underground

A natural history of subterranean life

David W Wolfe

232 pages, parution le 14/05/2002

Ajouter à une liste

Indisponible

Résumé

There are over one billion organisms in a pinch of soil, and many of them perform functions essential to all life on the planet. Yet we know much more about deep space than about the universe below. In Tales from the Underground, Cornell ecologist David W. Wolfe lifts the veil on this hidden world, revealing for the first time what makes subterranean life so unique and so precious. Home to miniscule water bears and microscopic bacteria, mole rats and burrowing owls, the underground reigns supreme as it produces important pharmaceuticals, recycles life's essential elements, and helps plants gather nutrients. An original, awe-inspiring journey through a strange realm, Tales from the Underground will forever alter our appreciation of the natural world around-and beneath-us.

Contents

Introduction

Part I : Ancient life

Origins
The habitable zone
Shaking the tree of life

Part II : Life support for planet earth

Out of thin air
Nexus of underground
When the humble explain the great
Germ warfare

Part III : The human factor

Endangered diggers of the deep
The good earth

Epilogue

L'auteur - David W Wolfe

David W. Wolfe is Associate Professor of Plant Ecology in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University, and a member of Cornell's Biogeochemistry Program. Much of his research is focused on soil conservation, and the impact of climate change on plants and soils. He has published many journal articles and academic papers. This is his first book.

Caractéristiques techniques

	PAPIER
Éditeur(s)	Perseus Publishing
Auteur(s)	David W Wolfe
Parution	14/05/2002
Nb. de pages	232
Format	13 x 23
Couverture	Broché
Poids	290g
Intérieur	Noir et Blanc
EAN13	9780738206790
ISBN13	978-0-7382-0679-0