Fossil and Recent Biofilms: A Natural History of Life on Earth [Hardcover]

W.E. Krumbein (Editor), D.M. Paterson (Editor), G.A. Zavarzin (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1402015976 | ISBN-13: 978-1402015977 | Publication Date: November 30, 2003 | Edition: 1

This textbook on biofilms combines knowledge on sub-aquatic and sub-aerial biofilms and their products (stromatolites, oolites, ore, petroleum and gas deposits). It describes how formation and degradation of minerals and rocks is achieved through biofilm formation on and in sediments, soils and rocks. Methods of study, examples of Precambrian biofilms of an early Earth as well as the most recent examples of desert rock biofilms are treated in this integrative book on biofilms, microbial mats and stromatolites.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fossil and Recent Biofilms provides a smørgasbord of data on microbial communities. Students of microbial ecology, evolution, biogeochemistry, and sedimentary geology will all find this volume valuable. Those who would integrate these disciplines will find it indispensable." (Andrew H. Knoll, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA) "Virtually all the world's experts in the area of ancient and fossil biofilms contributed to a 33 chapter compendium that offers something for everyone. The subjects range from definitions of terms, to the history and philosophy of biofilms, to the implications of biofilms for the evolution of microbes, the evolution of the Earth, and even the search for extraterrestrial life. The preface by Costerton and Stoodley is quite valuable in contrasting the "old" of this compendium with some of the "new" developments that are happening now, and even on the horizon. In the preface, biofilms are viewed as dynamic, evolving communities - sites for horizontal gene transfer and community adaptation and gene-swapping." (Ken Nealson, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA) "Overall diversified and high quality pictures illustrate an update synthesis of the modern concept of microbial biofilms in geomicrobiology which target both researchers, lecturers and students." (F. Garabétian, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France. Int. Journal of Limnology, 2004, 40 (2).)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 504 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (November 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402015976
• ISBN-13: 978-1402015977
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,275,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)