We have obtained experimental data on the dynamics of the acid phosphatase activity of river snail in response to acute toxic effects of copper cations Cu²⁺, as well as on changes in the activity of this enzyme in experimental animals under normal conditions. Changes in the activity of the enzyme in the norm and in the intoxication are shown to be of oscillatory nature. We have compared the toxic action of copper cations with other heavy metals that were used as toxicants in previous studies. It is shown that the degree of changes in the activity of acid phosphatase may be used as a biomarker of toxic effects on aquatic organisms.

We report on the distribution and genetic relationships of representatives from mono-typic and oligotypic genera of the Petrophyte’s flora of the Russian Caucasus, which belong to the category of paleoendemics and systematic relics. Analysis of florogenetic relations shows that the majority of area-related species lie within the Ancient Mediterranean, mainly in its eastern part. We have analyzed the possibility and conditions of migration of ancestral forms to the Caucasus in the tertiary (Miocene) period and have noted the dominant role of the Eastern part of the North Caucasus (Dagestan speciation center) in the formation of the oldest types of Petrophytes. It is found that systematic relics of the rank of the genus of Petrophyte’s flora of the Russian Caucasus are carriers of information about possible ways of migration flows in the upper Miocene, connecting the Caucasus with other Ancient Mediterranean areas, as well as about the dominant role of the Eastern part of the North Caucasus in the processing of ancestral forms and ancient speciation.

We have studied the phytocenoses formed in the shrub vegetation of upland xerophytic and mountain-steppe belt by species of the legume family, particularly species belonging to the genus Astragalus. For the first time we indicated associations and formations in most phytocenoses formed by species belonging to this genus. It is found that the lack of protection of endemic species of Astragalus and those listed in the “Red Book”, as well as the irrational use of these phytocenoses leads to degradation of land cover and accelerated desertification in biocenosis of the studied regions.

We report an assessment of a specific variety and dynamics of ornithofauna of the mixed wood of Valuyevsky and Ulyanovsk forest parks in New Moscow during 2006, 2010 - 2015 in the conditions of an increasing anthropogenic impact on the territory. In the period from 2010 to 2015, in comparison with 2006, the number of bird species increased, as for separate years, so for the whole period. The share of prepotent and small-in-number species rose sharply. The number of rare species increased. The number of usual species remains at the former level; however, their share decreased. The total number of noted types from 2006 to 2010 - 2015 remains almost invariable. The end of active construction works and isolation of some sites of the displaced wood results in the extension in a specific variety of birds. Ornithofauna of the mixed wood keeps relative stability due to an insignificant influence of anthropogenous factors.

We have considered the bioecological state and number of insectivores in the Shakhdagsky National Park of Azerbaijan. We have studied their distribution in the landscape and found the general regularity for small mammals: with increasing altitude the occurrence of the insectivores decreases. This is probably due to a decrease in food bases, and on the other hand, due to the climatic conditions because at low temperatures the insectivores cannot actively move and find daily meals. It is found that some of them are on the verge of extinction; they are recommended to be included in the Red Book of the republic as rare and endangered species.

We present the results of a systematic analysis of the main features of the genus Centaurea L., i.e., the structure of the phyllaries and achenes. An original identification key is presented. Based on the study of the herbarium material collected in the territory of Central Russia, we specify the morphological features by which species significantly differ, i.e., shape and color of phyllaries, and structure of achene and pappus. Distribution of species of the genus Centaurea L. in the flora of the central part of European Russia is presented.

We have determined changes in specific activity of soybeen oxidoreductase, obtained after preliminary treatment with chemicals based on the products of processing of Dahurian larch (Larix dahurica) and extrasol. We have found stable types of multipleforms for catalases, peroxidases, and alcohol dehydrogenases as well as significant differences for malate dehydrogenases forms. The enhancement of soy oxidation-reduction processes resulted in the adaptive potential increase under the conditions of waterlogged soils, as well as in economic improvement of valuable figures and the crop productivity as compared to the control group. The obtained results allowed the private limited liability company «Ametis» to produce a friendly soy-growth regulator «ЕcoLarix» based on dihidroquercetin.

The diuretic action of cryopowders produced from wild Rosa canina L. and Agrimonia eupatoria L. grass was tested on the Wistar rats of both sexes using the water loading method by Taylor. The maximum diuretic effect of the cryopoweders was achieved during the first hour of the experiment. The results of the experiment showed practically the same effect on both objects with the maximum diuretic action registered within the first hour of the observation and the optimal dose being equal to 50.0 mg/kg of the rat weight. The cryopowders produced from Rosa canina L. roots and Agrimonia eupatoria L. grass have almost the same diuretic effect, removing all the volume of the water load by the 5^th (fifth) hour, while only 40% of the water load volume is removed from the control animals.