"Dedicated to G. Evelyn Hutchinson, 1903-1991"--P. [v]. Includes bibliographical references and index.

The early history of life / E. G. Nisbet and C. M. R. Fowler -- Evolution of metabolism / K. H. Nealson and R. Rye -- Sedimentary hydrocarbons, biomarkers for early life / J. J. Brocks and R. E. Summons -- Biomineralization / H. C. W. Skinner and A. H. Jahren -- Biogeochemistry of primary production in the sea / P. G. Falkowski -- Biogeochemistry of terrestrial net primary production / F. S. Chapin, III and R. Amundson -- Anaerobic metabolism: linkages to trace gases and aerobic processes / J. P. Megonigal, M. E. Hines and P. T. Visscher -- The geologic history of the carbon cycle / E. T. Sundquist and K. Visser -- The contemporary carbon cycle / R. A. Houghton -- The global oxygen cycle / S. T. Petsch -- The global nitrogen cycle / J. N. Galloway -- The global phosphorus cycle / K. C. Ruttenberg -- The global sulfur cycle / P. Brimblecombe.