"Origin and Early Evolution of Life" draws on evidence from molecular genetics, the structure and function of extant organisms, and geology. It covers the period from about 4 billion years ago, when life is thought to have originated, to about 600 million years ago when multicellular organisms first arose. There are significant gaps in our understanding of the earliest evolution of life forms, but an insight into the topic leads to a more profound understanding of life itself. Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that although life arose very soon after the origin of the Earth, it was represented only by simple microbial life forms for approximately 85 per cent since this time. Increase in complexity beyond the microbial level took place only very late in the history of life.
- ISBN10 0198526350
- ISBN13 9780198526353
- Publish Date 1 February 2003 (first published 23 January 2003)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 7 March 2008
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Oxford University Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 180
- Language English