Life Without Light

A Journey to Earth’s Dark Ecosystems

by Melissa Stewart

Foreword by Lynn Margulis
and Dorian Sagan

Franklin Watts / Grolier, 1998

for Grades 7–12

ISBN 978–0‑53111–529‑9

Purchase this book at your local independent bookseller or Amazon.com.

This unique and intriguing title explores some of the world’s most unusual ecosystems found in caves, the deep sea, hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, underground aquifers, and rock deep below Earth’s surface. It also discusses the origin of life on Earth and the role of photosynthesis and chemosynthesis in the development of our planet’s cast of creatures.

Honors and Awards

New York Public Library’s Best Book for the Teen Age
Science Books & Films Best Books for Children

Reviews

“After an explanation of a lake’s food chain and the place of photosynthesis in the evolution of life on Earth, this book steps out of the sunlight and into dark habitats. Research on hydrothermal vents, caves, aquifers, and rocks has revealed creatures previously unknown to science, including a microbe that appears to live on water and rock, ‘strong evidence that an ecosystem can, in fact, exist without the Sun.’ Stewart’s well-researched book ends with a discussion of the nature and origins of life on Earth. Given the quality of writing and the lack of books for young people on this subject, [librarians should] make room for this intriguing book.” (Booklist)

“What do Movile Cave and the Mariana Trench have in common? They are both habitats where unique life forms have developed. Only in the last 50 years have scientists been able to explore the remote ecosystems in caves, the ocean, and underground aquifers. Stewart begins her book with a clear explanation of photosynthesis and the food chain. She then considers how life evolved with little or no light, focusing on specific habitats. The author weaves in information about plate tectonics and animal classification to give a full picture of life below Earth’s surface. She concludes with a discussion of some of the questions raised by these investigations.” (School Library Journal)

Behind the Book

“This is a book I had been thinking about, and researching on and off, since graduate school. Although the ideas in this book are now well accepted, they were cutting edge when the book appeared in the late 1990s. To piece together all kinds of disparate research, I spoke with dozens of scientists and read hundreds of articles from scientific journals. I am especially indebted to Dr. Lynn Margulis for her assistance and support. Life Without Light was my first published book and remains one of my favorites. A framed copy of the cover hangs in my office.”