Chela-Flores J. The New Science of Astrobiology: From Genesis of the Living Cell to Evolution of Intelligent Behaviour in the Universe

Amsterdam: Springer, 2001. - 253p.Astrobiology is a very broad interdisciplinary field covering the origin, evolution, distribution, and destiny of life in the universe, as well as the design and implementation of missions for solar system exploration. A review covering its complete spectrum has been missing at a level accessible even to the non-specialist.
The last section of the book consists of a supplement, including a glossary, notes, and tables, which represent highly condensed `windows' into research ranging from basic sciences to earth and life sciences, as well as the humanities.
These additions should make The New Science of Astrobiology accessible to a wide readership: scientists, humanists, and the general reader will have an opportunity to participate in one of the most rewarding activities of contemporary culture.Introduction: What is Astrobiology?
From cosmic to chemical evolution
From chemical to prebiotic evolution
Sources for life’s origin: A search for biogenic elements
From prebiotic evolution to single cellsFrom the age of prokaryotes to the origin of eukaryotes
Eukaryogenesis and evolution of intelligent behaviorOn the possibility of biological evolution on Mars
On the possibility of biological evolution on Europa
On the possibility of chemical evolution on Titan
How different would life be elsewhere?
The search for the evolution of extraterrestrial intelligent behavior
Is the evolution of intelligent behavior universal?
Deeper implications of the search for extraterrestrial life
Philosophical implications of the search for extraterrestrial civilizations
Back to the beginning of astrobiology
Recapitulation