Bertrand J.C. ed. edt IRD Normand P. ed. edt IRD Ollivier Bernard ed. edt IRD Sime Ngando T. ed. edt IRD text book eng text/pdf born digital access The purpose of this book is to show the essential and indispensable role of prokaryotes in the evolution of aliving world. The evolutionary success of prokaryotes is explained together with their role in the evolution of the geosphere, the biosphere and its functioning, as well as their ability to colonize all biotopes, including the most extreme ones. We consider that all past and present living beings emerged from prokaryotes and have interacted with them. Forces and mechanisms presented in the various theories of evolution apply to prokaryotes. The major stages of their evolution and biodiversity are also described. Finally, it is emphasized that prokaryotes are living organisms that provide indisputable evidence of evolutionary processes. Many examples of ongoing evolution in prokaryotes, observable at the human scale, are provided. specialized 020 021 Cham Springer 2018 396 396 396 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010076869 10.1007/978-3-319-99784-1 978-3-319-99782-7 [F A010076869] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010076869 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/depot/2019-11-08/010076869.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2019-10-22 2023-07-11 fdi:010076869 fre