General Characteristics and Properties of Organic Life

This chapter provides an introduction on general characteristics and properties of the dominant life form—unicellular organisms, demonstrated by a graphic presentation of current phylogenetic classifications of eukaryotes. Differences between prokaryotes (archaea and bacteria) and eukaryotes are explained, focussed on strategies to maintain continuous life. Self-organized consortia of unicellular organisms at boundaries between solid surfaces and water or air modulate the transfer of substances and energy in all abiotic and biotic realms. Added is a short overview about viruses and their interactions with organisms. The final subchapter provides a conceptual explanation of evolutionary challenges under unpredictable framework conditions.