Life as a geologic force: New opportunities for paleontology?

Abstract

From a geological point of view, life is an integrated part of the exogenic cycle, a mere elaboration of the physical and chemical processes operating on earth. The origin of life marks the transition from a physical and chemical world into one where physical, chemical, and biological processes form an integrated continuum. Life is at work in a big way, and one may regard the biosphere as a laminar, highly activated global envelope, energized by solar radiation, modeling the terrestrial physiognomy, and catalyzing major geochemical reactions. There can be no doubt that the biota have exerted a profound influence on the development of our planet. The history of life and the earth is one of coevolution (Dubos 1979).