"Fossil and Recent Biofilms provides a smørgasbord of data on microbial communities. Students of microbial ecology, evolution, biogeochemistry, and sedimentary geology will all find this volume valuable. Those who would integrate these disciplines will find it indispensable." (Andrew H. Knoll, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA) "Virtually all the world's experts in the area of ancient and fossil ... Read morebiofilms contributed to a 33 chapter compendium that offers something for everyone. The subjects range from definitions of terms, to the history and philosophy of biofilms, to the implications of biofilms for the evolution of microbes, the evolution of the Earth, and even the search for extraterrestrial life. The preface by Costerton and Stoodley is quite valuable in contrasting the "old" of this compendium with some of the "new" developments that are happening now, and even on the horizon. In the preface, biofilms are viewed as dynamic, evolving communities - sites for horizontal gene transfer and community adaptation and gene-swapping." (Ken Nealson, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA) "Overall diversified and high quality pictures illustrate an update synthesis of the modern concept of microbial biofilms in geomicrobiology which target both researchers, lecturers and students." (F. Garabétian, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France. Int. Journal of Limnology, 2004, 40 (2).) Show Less