Abstract
Currently, the Earth is the only stellar body known to contain life as we have defined it (see Fig. 1.1). Despite the fact that life on Earth is a unique phenomenon in our Solar System, it is very widespread and complexly diverse on this planet. It appeared at a definite stage during the Earth’s development, approximately 3.5 billion years ago, as a result of spontaneous chemical interactions that led to unique organizations of matter.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsNotes
- 1.
Numbers are rather approximate, but reflect the essence.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Zhegunov, G. (2012). Life on Earth. In: The Dual Nature of Life. The Frontiers Collection. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-30394-4_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-30394-4_1
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-30393-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-30394-4
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyPhysics and Astronomy (R0)