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Atmospheres and evolutionStudies concerning the regulation of the earth atmosphere and the relation of atmospheric changes to the evolution of microbial life are reviewed. The improbable nature of the composition of the earth atmosphere in light of the atmospheric compositions of Mars and Venus and equilibrium considerations is pointed out, and evidence for the existence of microbial (procaryotic) life on earth as far back as 3.5 billion years ago is presented. The emergence of eucaryotic life in the Phanerozoic due to evolving symbioses between different procaryotic species is discussed with examples given of present-day symbiotic relationships between bacteria and eucaryotes. The idea that atmospheric gases are kept in balance mainly by the actions of bacterial cells is then considered, and it is argued that species diversity is necessary for the maintenance and origin of life on earth in its present form.
Document ID
19820039446
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Margulis, L.
(Boston University Boston, MA, United States)
Lovelock, J. E.
(Reading, University Reading, Berks., United Kingdom)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
82A22981
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-22-004-025
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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