Биология

Fluctuating asymmetry of pholidosis in grass snakes found on four areas of the Republic of Tatarstan is considered in this article. We carried out the statistical analysis of asymmetrical traits and counted the integral characteristics of fluctuating asymmetry. Asymmetry of pholidosis was observed in 32% of individuals. Asymmetry in features which are characterized by highest diversity (temporal, postorbital and sublabial scutes) is more common. There are no statistically significant sex, age or population differences in the values of fluctuating asymmetry.

The system of units of riverside vegetation by Braun-Blanquet method of the class Phragmito-Magnocaricetea of the Bashkortostan Republic includes 4 orders, 7 unions, 29 associations and 1 rankless community today. During studying of riverside vegetation 4 new associations (Scolochloetum festucaceae, Caricetum distichae, Iridetum pseudacori and Leersietum oryzoidis) which weren’t indicated for this region earlier were revealed. The order of Nasturtio-Glycerietalia and the Glycerio-Sparganion union are also for the first time indicated for the republic.

The effect of heavy metal ions (Ni2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Pb2+)  in concentrations of 10 ?M, 0.1 ?M and 1 mM on the rate of lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been studied in the 7-day-old seedlings of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.). It was revealed that Ni2+ and Cu2+ ions induced oxidative stress in plant cells, but Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions did not have toxic effects. The heavy metals effect on LPO increasing was as follows: Zn2+ < Pb2+< Ni2+ < Cu2+ for cucumber plants; Pb2+< Zn2+ < Cu2+ < Ni2+ for radish plants.

The article discusses the importance of the Red Book for the preservation of biological diversity of rare and endangered species in the Saratov region. It is noted that at the present time 578 species of plants, fungi and animals are critically endangered.

Procedure of formation of the list of rare and endangered species of plants, mushrooms and animals of the Saratov region for their entering in the third edition of the regional Red Book are shown. Categories of protection of rare species are offered and methodical recommendations about science-based definition of their nature protection status are stated. The structure of specific outlines and content of their illustrative material are given.

Basic principles underlying the methodology of the procedure of entering and deleting biological species in regional Red Data Books are shown. With Natrix tessellate as an example, an algorithm is demonstrated to exclude a species from the list of rare and endangered animals needing special protection measures. As a result of our longterm field studies of the N. tessellata populations, a positive trend in the abundance change in its population and in the spectrum of biotopical correspondence and geographical distribution within the Saratov region has been established.

The list of rare and disappearing fungus and lichens species to be included into the third edition of the Red Book of Saratov region has been compiled on the basis of modern field surveys, collection data, analysis of literature. It contains 19 representatives of mycoflora belonging to 11 families and 6 representatives of lichen flora belonging to 3 families. The necessity to extend and modify the list of protected taxa is substantiated compared with the previous edition.

A list of algae, mossy, pteridophytes and gymnosperm plant species to be included into the third edition of the Red Book of the Saratov region is proposed (1 species of algae, 15 mossy species, 13 pteridophytes, 1 gymnosperms). The necessity to correct and extend the protected taxon list in comparison with the second edition is substantiated. Principles of taxon selection for the third edition are discussed.

A list of 277 flowering plant species to be included into the third edition of the Red Book of the Saratov region is proposed. The necessity to correct and extend the protected taxon list in comparison with the second edition is substantiated. Principles of taxon selection for the third edition are discussed.

The list of species of water invertebrates and the amphibiotic insects is analysed by results of the long-term researches in 2006 – 2015. Effects of climate transformation and change of the hydrological treatment on a condition of water ecosystems and population of such species are shown. The key factors causing negative consequences for ecosystems of the rivers, floodplain lakes and temporary waterbodies serving as biotopes of rare and endangered species of hydrobionts are defined.