Entropy Principle for the Development of Complex Biotic Systems

Organisms, Ecosystems, the Earth
Erscheinungsjahr 2012
ISBN: 978-0-323-28232-1
Verlag: William Andrew Publishing

Buch, Englisch, 118 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 229 mm, Gewicht: 230 g

The concept of entropy in thermodynamics is a complex one, though it is fundamental in understanding physics, the workings of the mind, and biology. Entropy is the measure of the quality of energy, and it can also refer to the turn from order to disorder or randomness in isolated systems. In open systems, such as biology, entropy is formulated in terms of production and energy flow. This book establishes a novel view of complex biological systems and the earth using this concept of entropy, encompassing the interdisciplinary area of biology, ecology and physics. This book considers the development over time of a range of biologically complex systems such as plants, animals, humans, and ecosystems, describing them in terms of the second law of thermodynamics, entropy. With its broad coverage of biological systems, this book will be useful for students of environmental science as well as students in biology and physics.

Zielgruppe

<p>Ecologists, Biologists, Physicists</p>

Autoren/Hrsg.

Aoki, Ichiro

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Physik Angewandte Physik Biophysik
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Angewandte Biologie Biophysik
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Ökologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1: Thermodynamics and Living Systems

2: Plant leaves

3: Animals

4: Humans I. Direct Calorimetry

5: Humans II. Indirect Calorimetry

6: Ecological Communities

7: Lake Ecosystems

8: Entropy Principle in Living Systems ("Min-Max Principle")

9: The Earth