The New Science of Astrobiology: From Genesis of the Living Cell to Evolution of Intelligent Behaviour in the Universe (Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology, 3)

Astrobiology is a very broad interdisciplinary field covering the origin, evolution, distribution, and destiny of life in the universe, as well as the design and implementation of missions for solar system exploration. A review covering its complete spectrum has been missing at a level accessible even to the non-specialist. The last section of the book consists of a supplement, including a glossary, notes, and tables, which represent highly condensed `windows' into research ranging from basic sciences to earth and life sciences, as well as the humanities. These additions should make **The New Science of Astrobiology** accessible to a wide readership: scientists, humanists, and the general reader will have an opportunity to participate in one of the most rewarding activities of contemporary culture. Front Matter....Pages i-1 Front Matter....Pages 3-3 Introduction: What is Astrobiology?....Pages 5-10 From cosmic to chemical evolution....Pages 13-28 From chemical to prebiotic evolution....Pages 29-36 Sources for life’s origin: A search for biogenic elements....Pages 37-52 From prebiotic evolution to single cells....Pages 55-66 Front Matter....Pages 67-67 From the age of prokaryotes to the origin of eukaryotes....Pages 69-78 Eukaryogenesis and evolution of intelligent behavior....Pages 79-86 Front Matter....Pages 87-88 On the possibility of biological evolution on Mars....Pages 91-102 On the possibility of biological evolution on Europa....Pages 103-116 On the possibility of chemical evolution on Titan....Pages 117-128 How different would life be elsewhere?....Pages 131-138 The search for the evolution of extraterrestrial intelligent behavior....Pages 139-148 Is the evolution of intelligent behavior universal?....Pages 149-156 Deeper implications of the search for extraterrestrial life....Pages 159-166 Philosophical implications of the search for extraterrestrial civilizations....Pages 167-174 Back to the beginning of astrobiology....Pages 175-184 Recapitulation....Pages 185-186 Back Matter....Pages 187-253