Title
The Earth's Biosphere: Evolution, Dynamics, and Change,Used
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Received Honorable Mention in the category of Geography and Earth Science in the 2002 Professional/Scholarly Publishing Annual Awards Competition presented by the Association of American Publishers, Inc.In his latest book, Vaclav Smil tells the story of the Earth's biosphere from its origins to its near and longterm future. He explains the workings of its parts and what is known about their interactions. With essaylike flair, he examines the biosphere's physics, chemistry, biology, geology, oceanography, energy, climatology, and ecology, as well as the changes caused by human activity. He provides both the basics of the story and surprising asides illustrating critical but often neglected aspects of biospheric complexity.Smil begins with a history of the modern idea of the biosphere, focusing on the development of the concept by Russian scientist Vladimir Vernadsky. He explores the probability of life elsewhere in the universe, life's evolution and metabolism, and the biosphere's extent, mass, productivity, and grandscale organization. Smil offers fresh approaches to such wellknown phenomena as solar radiation and plate tectonics and introduces lesserknown topics such as the quarterpower scaling of animal and plant metabolism across body sizes and metabolic pathways. He also examines two sets of fundamental relationships that have profoundly influenced the evolution of life and the persistence of the biosphere: symbiosis and the role of life's complexity as a determinant of biomass productivity and resilience. And he voices concern about the future course of humancaused global environmental change, which could compromise the biosphere's integrity and threaten the survival of modern civilization.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has three hundred forty-six pages. This provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth's biosphere, its dynamics, and changes.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures eight and a half inches in length, one inch in width, and nine and a quarter inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading and referencing.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This provides durability and a premium feel, suitable for library use or personal collections.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Vaclav Smil. He is a notable scholar known for his work in geography, earth science, and environmental studies.
- Q: What is the main subject of the book? A: The main subject is the Earth's biosphere, focusing on its evolution, dynamics, and changes over time. It also addresses human impact on the environment.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: The book belongs to the Biology genre. It explores complex biological and ecological themes related to the biosphere.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in environmental science? A: Yes, it is suitable for beginners. The author presents complex ideas in an accessible manner, making it easier for newcomers to grasp key concepts.
- Q: Can this book be used as a textbook for a course? A: Yes, it can be used as a textbook. Its comprehensive coverage of the biosphere makes it a valuable resource for academic courses.
- Q: What age group is this book appropriate for? A: The book is appropriate for high school students and adults. Its content is designed for readers who have an interest in biology and environmental studies.
- Q: How should I store this book for preservation? A: Store the book upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition and prevent damage over time.
- Q: Is there a recommended way to clean the book? A: Yes, gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as they can damage the binding and pages.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most retailers have customer service policies in place for such issues.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations or images? A: Yes, the book includes some illustrations and images. These visuals help enhance understanding of the biospheric concepts discussed.
- Q: How does this book compare to others in the same field? A: This book is unique due to its comprehensive approach and engaging writing style. It stands out among other texts in biology and environmental science.
- Q: Is there a bibliography or reference list included? A: Yes, there is a bibliography included. This allows readers to explore further readings and references related to the biosphere.