Abstract. In the present work chromosomal polymorphism is studied on the basis or cariotypes analisis of more than 100 species and intraspecific forms of Mammalia of the Caucasus. Divergence of branches on the phylogenetic trees received on different chromosomal reorganization is ambiguous, that is probably the consentience of recent and fast separation from the basic trunk of some groups. It is noticed for the first time that the morphological evolution was not always accompanied by visible chromosomal reorganization and the contrary. The obtained data testifies in favour of chromosomal formation of species in some genera: Talpa, Sicista, Pitymys, Microtus etc.

Introduction. Studying of chromosomal polymorphism and the role of chromosomal rearrangement in the formation of reproductive isolation is important in evolutionary researches. Robertson type chromosomal rearrangements, redistribution of heterochromatic material and chromosome division have dominating role in the evolution of karyotype.

Methods. During carrying the experimentation out, all landscape areas of the Caucasus were explored; karyological researches were carried out in 243 spots. We succeeded to study chromosomal complement of 100 species, forms and hybrids of the region. Chromosome preparations are received using a method of “dried out” preparations (Ford, Hamerton, 1956; Orlov, Bulatova, 1983).

Results. Karyological peculiarities conditioned by various distribution of structural heterochromatin prevail in Erinaceus. Karyotype evolution of moles in the Caucasus went by the way of chromosome division. Karyotype evolution of Pitymys in the Caucasus progressed step-by-step. Preglacial period probably was the longest and is characterized by the genesis of three independent species: P. schekovnikovi (2n = 54, NF = 62), P. majori (2n = 54, NF = 60) and P. daghestanicus (2n = 54, NF = 58). Chromosome evolution in the group “schekovnikovi” resulted from the pericentric inversion of four pairs of autosomes. In the chromosome set of P. majori the centromere position in two large autosome pairs changed, and that led to increasing of chromosome arm quantity to 60. As a result of pericentric inversion of the smallest acrocentric pair of P. daghestanicus a pair of metacentrics was formed, which is the marker chromosome of all the representatives of the group P. daghestanicus, and this led to increasing of chromosome arm quantity in set to 58.

Conclusion. Interaction of plain and mountain landscapes exerts essential influence on the karyotype evolution both in altitude and horizontal directions. Certain law was revealed: species with stable morphological parameter and sibling species possess polymorphous karyotype, and, on the contrary, species, which exophenes are subjected to the marked changeability, have stable karyotype long the whole length of the area. Almost all the types of chromosomal rearrangements known by this time are present in mammals of the Caucasus.

Abstract. Aim. The article considers the zoogeographical zoning of the Mediterranean and adjacent territories with the purpose of specification of the scheme of zoogeographic zoning of land on the basis of the distribution of dragonflies.

Methods. Use common methods of entomological research, mapping and analysis of the fauna.

Results. On the based on our analysis of the composition and distribution of odonatofauna Mediterranean zoogeographical subregion is offered to divide into 5 provinces: Caucasian, South-European, Pyrenees, Asian and African. Analysis of the existing schemes zoning of land based on the distribution of taxa dragonflies, installed the advantages and disadvantages presented by different authors, the result of which is proposed to change the borders between the Holarctic and Subholarctic areas of the Boreal fauna Kingdom (BFK). It is connected with the fact that the dividing them into subdomains and evaluation role in the establishment of regional odonatofauna not always convincing. In this regard, the article proposed to abolish the Holarctic region sub-region: European and Mongolian-Kazakh, and in Subholarctic - add 1 sub-region of Central Asia. In a new form Subholarctic region becomes clear and logical configuration, but her name becomes inadequate, therefore, we re-name it in Paleosubtropical.

The scope of the results. In fundamental research on systematics of animals, ecology and biogeography.

Main conclusions. Based on the study of the composition and distribution of taxa of dragonflies in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories proposed the division of the Mediterranean subregion 5 provinces and refined scheme of zoogeographic zoning of land.

Abstract. Information about abudance and distribution of 8 species of Caspian gobies (Neogobius melanostomus, Neogobius kessleri, Neogobius syrman eurystomus, Neogobius gymnotrachelus, Neogobius caspius, Proterorhinus marmoratus, Bentophilus sp.) is given. A method of trawling (number of gobies / one o'clock trawling) was used. Hydrological and hydrochemical changes in the Caspian Sea influence the distribution and abudance of goby fishes in the western part of the North Caspian Sea. Changes of species composition and distribution depended on the lowering in the sea level, increase of salinity, temperature
background. The maximal abudance of gobies in 2010 were as in previous years in the highly productive waters (western part), where was the fattening of sturgeons, semi-anadromous and marine fishes. Concentration of gobies is decreased in less trophic waters (eastern part) of the Northern Caspian Sea.

Abstract. Aim. Ages and stages of dragonfly larvae Coenagrion puella L., 1758 with a wide area of distribution throughout Russia were determined in the laboratory. Morphological and morphometric characteristics of larvae instars are described.

Location. Zoological laboratory of Kabardino-Balkarian State University (Russia).

Methods. Common methods of entomological research were used. In experimental conditions, the development stage (F) of 260 ex. of Coenagrion puella were studied. Eggs of Coenagrion puella were taken from natural reservoirs and incubated at 22–24 °C. Larvae were fed once a day by Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracoda, Chironomidae, Oligochaeta.

Results and conclusions. Larvae of Coenagrion puella L., 1758 are hatched from eggs after 24–26 days at the temperature 22–24 °C. Time diapason between exuviations is increased with age of larvae: 1–5 stages exuviate by 3–4 days, 6–7 stages by 5–6 days, 8–9 by 6–18 days, 10th by 9–12 days. Morphometric parameters of the larvae are changed with each molting. Main morphological changes indicate a stages of development and are due with change of mask (including its distal margin), lateral lobe, external lamellae (gill plates), antennae and tarsi. The results can be used in ecological monitoring, micropopulation studies. These data can help to determine the variability of dragonflies in mountain ecosystems.

Abstract. Turan centre is one of the most important and ancient centres of formation of fauna of arid regions, which had a noticeable impact on the genesis of Coleoptera fauna in the Eastern part of the Greater Caucasus. 45 species of weevils of Turan origin were found in Dagestan, regularities of their distribution and trophic specialization were studied, the most likely ways of their penetration to the Caucasus were identified. Chorological analysis of species and their food plants showed that migration of beetles and their food plants in the Caucasus is connected.

Abstract. The results of monitoring of ecological divergence of rabies virus in dependence on natural selection during the migration in natural end anthropurgic focuses in the world and in Russia are elucidated in the work.

Abstract. The process of territorial expansion of the city is accompanied by intensive construction of industrial and social facilities, road network is actively developed, that leads to the transformation of natural vegetation, the appearance of manmade habitats which are actively colonized by segetal-ruderal species.
Aim of the work is inventory of flora of disturbed habitats and the study of its current state, identify the taxonomic composition of phytocenoses.
Field works were carried with help of route-floristic method in different growing seasons 2010-2012., technogenic and residential area of the city were studied.
According to research a list of vascular plants of disturbed habitats numbering 237 species was compiled. Biomorphological and geographic structure is showed, adventive and indigenous flora fraction is determined.

Abstract. This work shows the possibility and prospects of the test plants usage to indicate the quality of the environment. Tomato plants are proposed as one of such objects. Tomato plants and seeds are revealed to be very sensitive to environmental conditions.
The purpose of the research is an experimental study of the possibility of using annual plants as test objects in the laboratory and then in field conditions that allow to determine the nature of the effect of favorable and other factors of the environment.
The methodology of the work. Cultivation of the test object in particular environmental conditions.
The results of the work. It is found that the seeds of tomato plants can be successfully used to assess the environmental quality.
The area of application. Monitoring of the environmental quality and composition. Conclusions. When tomato plants are growing their vigor and germination are sensitive to the composition of the environment.

Abstract. One of priorities of seed laboratory is creation of collection of seeds of wild plants, conservation of flora gene pool of the Chechen Republic, neighboring areas and biological diversity of flora of the Caucasus. Inventory data of seed bank of "Seed Laboratory" of Department of Botany of Chechen State University (seeds from botanical gardens, natural habitat of the Chechen Republic and adjacent areas) is the basis of this work. Currently, there are more than 350 species, representatives of more than 70 families in the collection.

Abstract. The changes in the intensity of biological processes in the vegetation and productivity of forage grasses depending on the degree of soil salinity of the North-West Caspian Lowland were studied. Salination factors are specific. They are formed because of their adaptive nature, providing for species the opportunity to get the certain position in the relevant biocenosis. As a result each species produces its own strategy of life. Development of saline processes of soil in the growth and development of the plant mass, biological and agronomic salt resistance is clearly seen. Biological salt resistance is characterized by the ability to maintain the viability of the plant body at the upper limit of salinity. Agronomical salt resistance is determined by the value of crop and productivity. Adaptive possibilities of different plant species with different biological characteristics were also examined.

Subject, objective of the work. Productivity of vegetation of semidesert ecosystems and dynamics under the influence of salinity forage grass pasture phytocenoses of the North-West Caspian Lowland were studied.

Test method. We studied fodder crops: wheat grass long (Elytrigia elongata), ctenoid wheatgrass (Agropirum cristatum) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The crop from each significant area was weighed; it was taken from the average sample weighed in at 1 kg in a gauze bag for drying at a temperature of 60–65 °C in airing cupboard where brought to constant weight. Accounting for phytomass was carried by laying mowing area 8–10 times. Dimensions of mowing fields are 0.25 m2, that ensured coverage of all dominant plants.

Results. At mid-saline meadow-chestnut soil of the North-West Caspian Lowland wheatgrass long gives the highest yield of green mass – 18,1 tons per hectare of dry weight average for 2003–2010. Alfalfa crop is in the second place, that is less than bluegrass by 18.0 % (2.9 tons per hectare). The least yield of these crops is ctenoid wheatgrass, which is less than other grasses by 4.8 tons per hectare (26.1 %) and 1.7 tons per hectare (11.3 %). Therefore, wheatgrass long is hardier to mid-saline soil than other species. High yield of alfalfa depends on frequent mowing of this grass. In the sowing year there were three hay crops, the second and subsequent years - 4 mowing. The share of the first mowing in the sowing year alfalfa has 33.0 %, the second 42.3 %, the third 24.7 %. In the second and subsequent years the share of the first mowing in the total yield of green mass increases up to 28,3–28,8, the third to 19,0–20,6, the fourth to 8,8–10,7 %.

Area of application. The research results can be used by the economic organizations and enterprises for the phytomelioration of saline soils. The obtained data can be used to enhance and achieve high productivity of forage grasses and to restore the productivity of saline lands and use them for agricultural purposes.

Conclusions. Adaptability to the saline soil and the productivity of forage grasses differ according to biological characteristics and extent soil salinity and ecological conditions.

Abstract. Aim. This article is devoted to the analysis of climatic conditions of the territory of the Terek-Kuma Lowland. Data of the last 60 years (1951–2010) are compared with conditions of 1881–1935 (air temperature) and 1898–1948 (precipitation and relative humidity). Determination of tendencies in the age-old range, and for the last 60 years is given.

Location. Terek-Kuma Lowland, Eastern Ciscaucasia, Russia.

Methods. The following environmental parameters are characterized: the amount of monthly rainfall, average temperatures and humidity, evaporation, moisture ratio and the lack of moisture. Statistical characteristics (mean, variance, coefficient of variation) of annual precipitation, mean annual temperature and humidity, evaporation, lack of moisture are calculated. Separately, the same parameters were calculated for the warm (April – October) and cold (November – March) seasons. Significance of differences between them was assessed by the standard deviation (α) and the coefficient of variation (Cv).

Results. Our analysis of the moisture conditions of the Terek-Kuma Lowland in the last 60 years has shown significant changes in key climate indicators in comparison with the corresponding (for the duration of observations) rates in preceding years. The average annual temperature for the period , including for the warm season (April – October), increased by 0.6 °C, annual precipitation decreased respectively by 29.6 and 35.9 mm. Coefficient of humidity (ratio of annual precipitation to evaporation) in the ambient range from 0.11 in 1898–1948 increased to 0.14 in 1951–2010.

Conclusions. Aridity of the climate did not increase on this territory. In 1951–2010 coefficient of humidity increased to 0.14, and fits into the range for dry (arid) regions, while in 1898–1948 coefficient of humidity was 0.11 and it was an important characteristic of extra arid (very dry) areas.

Abstract. Information on some new species to Dagestan flora, recently revealed during field investigations is presented.

Abstract. Aim. Fauna of spiders of Volgograd Region is researched uncompletely. Only 149 species of 19 families were listed in previous references. Complete listing of spiders of this large region was the aim of our investigation.

Location. Volgograd Region, Russia.

Methods. Material was collected in Volgograd City with environs and Volga-Don area in 2009–2013. Areas with minimum of anthropogenic influence within the city, artificial ecosystem of park type, plots of native vegetation along the Varvarovskoe water reservoir and natural steppe on banks of Don River were investigated. The main method of spiders’ collection were pitfall traps, which exposed from April to October.

Results and main conclusions. As a result 235 species of spiders from 26 families (including 195 species from 23 families within the city) were found. One hundred fifty five species are new for Volgograd Region. Spiders of families Atypidae, Corinnidae, Dysderidae, Eresidae, Liocranidae, Sparassidae, Zodariidae were not found in Volgograd Region earier. Trichoncus villius Tanasevitch et Piterkina, 2007 is the first record for Russia. Totally 304 species of spiders are known from Volgograd Region after our study including literature data. New data about fauna of spiders with summarized check-list are very significant for future faunistic and biogeographic investigations. Study of river islands with minimum anthropogenic influence inside Volgograd City allow to develop measures for biodiversity conservation.