Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction: extreme life; 2. Be it ever so humble …; 3. Life without water; 4. The hot club; 5. Cold Lazarus; 6. More tough choices; 7. 'It's life, Jim, but not as we know it!'; 8. An extreme biology; Bibliography; Glossary; Index.

Promotional Information

A fascinating account of how organisms are able to live in, or survive, extreme conditions.

About the Author

David Wharton is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Zoology at the University of Otago, New Zealand, where his research has centred upon the extraodinary survival abilities of animals.

Reviews

'… a thorough and thoughtful survey of life under conditions that we humans … tend to see as extreme.' New Scientist

'David Wharton's enthralling account of Life at the Limits [is] a survey not only of behaviour and physiology, but also some of the biochemical adaptations that characterise the ability of different organisms to survive the trials of their respective environments.' Cath O'Driscoll, Chemistry in Britain

'… my students and I will enjoy consulting this book in the years to come for its coverage, enjoyable style and background material.' Lynn Rothschild, Nature

'Highly recommended …' P. R. Douville, CHOICE

'… a stimulating introduction to a fascinating aspect of biology. The author's own enthusiasm for his subject should be a valuable spur to young biologists.' Biologist

'This is an enjoyable and up-to-date book'. The Open University Geological Society Journal

'… presents the challenges of environmental extremes in an accessible style.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

'Life at the Limits is an excellent description of how (mainly) microorganisms can exist at extremes in the environment … this book is easily understandable and provides fascinating background information for the budding astrobiologist, as well as an excellent account of life in extreme environments on our own planet.' Sky and Telescope