Expanding Horizon of Cyanobacterial Biology discusses the different aspects of cyanobacteria cyanobacterial application, providing a better understanding of cyanobacterial metabolism. Chapters deal with cyanobacteria applications and explore how to exploit cyanobacterial metabolism for industrial applications. Sections cover cyanobacterial applications for the production of nanoparticles, cyanobacterial diversity, and the characterization of different assemblages such as cyanolichens and cyanobacterial endophytes, along with their ecological, morphological and physiological aspects. In addition, bioactive compounds and their applications are explored. Increasing attention has been paid by scientists across the globe to Cyanobacteria as they are ubiquitous microbes and, undoubtedly, an important organism in terms of carbon as well as nitrogen fixation. However, the research on these organisms is limited in terms of their diversity and distribution across the globe. - Provides background knowledge for researchers concerned with cyanobacterial diversity and characterization of different assemblages - Describes the exploitation possibility of cyanobacterial species for human welfare - Discusses the different aspects of cyanobacteria, cyanobacterial application and better understanding of cyanobacterial metabolism - Deals with the exploitation of cyanobacteria and their mats for bioremediation purposes - Includes cyanobacterial nanotechnology and its applications in industry and allied sectors

Rock surfaces provide a challenging habitat for a broad diversity of micro- or small-sized organisms. They interact with each other forming complex communities as well with their substrate causing biodeterioration of rock. Extreme fluctuation in light, temperature and hydration are the main factors that determine the rock surface habitats. The habitat includes epilithic organisms which thrive on the surface without penetrating the rock, endolithic organisms which live just beneath the surface using a thin layer of the rock surface for protection against adverse conditions of the environment (e.g. light protection, storage of water) and chasmo-endolithic organisms which use fractures of the rock surface for a more habitable environment. The book will provide an overview of the various organismal groups, from prokaryotes to vascular plants and arthropods, as well as survey organism-mediated interactions with the rock surface. The latter include biogenic weathering (biogeochemistry, state-of-the art imaging methods), photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation at and inside the rock surface.

A definitive guide to the depth and breadth of the ecological sciences, revised and updated The revised and updated fifth edition of Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems – now in full colour – offers students and practitioners a review of the ecological sciences. The previous editions of this book earned the authors the prestigious ‘Exceptional Life-time Achievement Award’ of the British Ecological Society – the aim for the fifth edition is not only to maintain standards but indeed to enhance its coverage of Ecology. In the first edition, 34 years ago, it seemed acceptable for ecologists to hold a comfortable, objective, not to say aloof position, from which the ecological communities around us were simply material for which we sought a scientific understanding. Now, we must accept the immediacy of the many environmental problems that threaten us and the responsibility of ecologists to play their full part in addressing these problems. This fifth edition addresses this challenge, with several chapters devoted entirely to applied topics, and examples of how ecological principles have been applied to problems facing us highlighted throughout the remaining nineteen chapters. Nonetheless, the authors remain wedded to the belief that environmental action can only ever be as sound as the ecological principles on which it is based. Hence, while trying harder than ever to help improve preparedness for addressing the environmental problems of the years ahead, the book remains, in its essence, an exposition of the science of ecology. This new edition incorporates the results from more than a thousand recent studies into a fully up-to-date text. Written for students of ecology, researchers and practitioners, the fifth edition of Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems is anessential reference to all aspects of ecology and addresses environmental problems of the future.

This collection of essays is devoted to algae that are unexpectedly found in harsh habitats. The authors explain how these algae thrive in various temperature ranges, extreme pH values, salt solutions, UV radiation, dryness, heavy metals, anaerobic niches, various levels of illumination, and hydrostatic pressure. Not only do the essays provide clues about life on the edges of the Earth, but possibly elsewhere in the universe as well.

This revised and expanded new edition is a meticulously documented resource dealing with the age-old creation/evolution controversy. The author, who received a PhD from M.I.T., carefully explains and illustrates scientific evidence from biology, astronomy, and the physical and earth sciences that relates to origins and the flood. The hydroplate theory, developed after more than 30 years of study by Dr. Walt Brown, explains, with overwhelming scientific evidence, earth's defining geological event - a worldwide flood. This book includes an index, extensive endnotes and references, technical notes, answers to 36 frequently asked questions on related topics, and hundreds of illustrations, most in full color.