| Anoxia: Evidence for Eukaryote Survival and Paleontological Strategies 2012 Edition Contributor(s): Altenbach, Alexander (Editor), Bernhard, Joan M. (Editor), Seckbach, Joseph (Editor) |
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ISBN: 9400718950 ISBN-13: 9789400718951 Publisher: Springer OUR PRICE: $208.99 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: October 2011 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Nature | Natural Resources - Science | Life Sciences - Ecology - Science | Life Sciences - Microbiology |
| Dewey: 333.7 |
| Series: Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology |
| Physical Information: 1.6" H x 6.2" W x 9.3" (2.40 lbs) 648 pages |
| Themes: - Topical - Ecology |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: ANOXIA defines the lack of free molecular oxygen in an environment. In the presence of organic matter, anaerobic prokaryotes produce compounds such as free radicals, hydrogen sulfide, or methane that are typically toxic to aerobes. The concomitance of suppressed respiration and presence of toxic substances suggests these habitats are inhospitable to Eukaryota. Ecologists sometimes term such environments 'Death Zones'. This book presents, however, a collection of remarkable adaptations to anoxia, observed in Eukaryotes such as protists, animals, plants and fungi. Case studies provide evidence for controlled beneficial use of anoxia by, for example, modification of free radicals, use of alternative electron donors for anaerobic metabolic pathways, and employment of anaerobic symbionts. The complex, interwoven existence of oxic and anoxic conditions in space and time is also highlighted as is the idea that eukaryotic inhabitation of anoxic habitats was established early in Earth history. |