Product Description

"Living Earth" outlines the history of life on earth, showing how the biosphere and planet have evolved together as a single complex system. The contents comprehensively survey the course of events and describe the circumstances that have led up to life on Earth as scientists understand it today. Starting with the origins of the solar system, the text demonstrates how life has developed with the physical evolution of the planet. It also examines how, throughout geological history, the planet has shaped life and how life has shaped the planet, governing the atmosphere and influencing the geological evolution of the continents and oceans. This account includes topics such as: precambrian life and geological evolution; the development of the eukaryotes; the evolution of the vertebrates; continental drift, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics; the history of the atmosphere; the construction of an interdependent biosphere. This book should be of interest to first year geology or environmental science undergraduate students taking a general introductory course in the history of the earth; biology and geology students as an invaluable introduction to the history of life; and arts and social science students taking a general introductory science course.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1184909 in Books
• Published on: 1991-06-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 260 pages

Customer Reviews

A must for geology undergraduates
The Living earth is an intruiging book written by an amzaing geologist. Nisbet has managed to write an account of the history of life on earth, in a way that you will have never read before. Its interesting, informative and somewhat amusing.

This book definately helped me to put together all the snippets of knowledge I'd gained through my degree into context.

Essential reading for all those interested in our planet!
Living Earth is a fascinating insight into the history and current state of our home. Prof Nisbet provides a unique insight into the facts and philosophies of earth sciences in an easy read, despite the wealth of information included.
If you are at all interested in our planet you should read this.
Living Planet is Bill Bryson's book, with equal grace but with greater insight.