Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. is known to be an invasive species in many regions of Europe and Russia. In southern Karelia it is considered as an adventive species, with the possibility of naturalization. In the Botanic Garden of Petrozavodsk State University, L.polyphyllus steadily reproduces by self-seeding. The indexes of the generative sphere of the plant (the number of flowers and fruits per stem, potential and actual seed production, seed germination, etc.) indicate its high invasive potential. Nevertheless, the Botanic Garden is not the center of lupine spread beyond the cultivation sites. Limitation of lupine spread in the region can be controlled by hay mowing.

In 2006-2011 the parasites of fish of the Samur-Absheron irrigation system were studied for the first time and 57 species were found. It was found that in transition from the upper portion of the channel to the middle one, the number of fish parasites and the degree of infection of fish with parasites decrease. This is due to the fact that fish parasites in the channel are mainly carried by species from Samur River and Jeyranbatan Reservoir, where the channel discharges, as well as to the fact that the inflow of free-living or parasitic organisms is absent here.

The result of the studies show that 102 species of fungi, which are distributed unevenly in Azerbaijan forests, take part in the formation of xylomycobiota of forests located on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is found that among the found fungi, five species [Entoloma sericellum (Fr.) P. Kumm., Galerina unicolor (Vahl) Singer, Hypholoma fasciculare (Huds.) P. Kumm., Micromphale foetidum (Sowerby) Singer, Mycena sanguinolenta (Alb. & Schwein.) P. Kumm. and Tricholomopsis platyphylla (Pers.) Singer] are new for the forests under study and the majority of the detected fungi cause white rot (73.5%) in natural conditions.

We present the results of studying the growth of the Latast’s toad, Bufotes latastii in artificial conditions using different feedstuff. The experiment involved the toads from one offspring. Within 150 days, the toads were fed with honeycomb moth larvae, Galleria mellonella (first experimental group) or two-spotted cricket, Grillus bimaculatus (the second experimental group), or both (control group). On the whole, the experiment involved 90 animals with 30 toads in each group. In all groups, the toads had a 100% survival rate. The toads from first experimental group had the best characteristics of technical payback. Juveniles of the Latast’s toad in the control group per weight unit consumed 1.45-1.97 times more feedstuff. The second experimental group exhibited intermediate values with respect to the technical payback of feedstuff.

The phytocenotic characteristic and ontogenetic structure of species of the iris L. genus of iridaceae Juss. family have been studied during the investigation of rare plants of the Ganja-Gazakh territory. It is found that the species of iris camillae Grossh., iris primula L., iris alexeenkoi Grossh. and iris schelkownikowii (Fomin) Fomin are characterized by a narrow natural habitat and low numbers. It is determined that the maxima in ontogenetic structures of Iris are accounted for generative (g2 - g3), as well as senile and subsenile groups (s-ss). The most vulnerable are young structures (j, im, v and g1). In this connection, it becomes evident that a decrease in the number of Iris is mostly related to the negative influence of the anthropogenic factor.

The R-R cycle of ECG, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), rheograms and EEG spectrum of the frontal and occipital lobes of the cerebral cortex are analyzed in 15-16 and 17-18 year-old boys. Functional changes in the cardiovascular system and brain, typical for subjects of these age groups, are determined. It is found that the R-R cycle of ECG is significantly longer in teenagers aged 15-16 than in young men aged 17-18, but the latter have a higher HR and SBP. Both age groups exhibit a dependence of EEG characteristics of cortical areas of the cerebral hemispheres on their hemodynamic parameters.

Based on the analysis of soil samples it was found that there is an increase in the average concentration of traces of biogenic selenium (Se) in soils of Moldova from dissipative (watersheds) to the accumulative (floodplain and the bottom of water bodies) relief elements. Sediments of water bodies accumulate maximum Se concentration. Minimum average Se concentration is typical for slopes, which are transit link connecting dissipative and accumulative relief elements. Se content is also dependent on the altitude of the relief. The maximum average concentration of selenium was observed in soils located between altitudes of 150-200 m. Se in the soils decreases above and below this geomorphologic level. The revealed features of Se distribution on relief elements are confirmed by means of biological indicators - fungi, plants and algae.

We consider the content of the geoecological science (discipline of knowledge of geo-ecology). The main definitions of ‘geoecology’ are presented in a chronological order. The author's interpretation of geoecology is given. The object of study of geoecology is the structure, properties, functions, dynamics and evolution of the real environment, caused by the impact of natural and man-made factors in time and space. Based on a process-environmental approach, the subject of geoecology is geoecological processes, i.e., changes in health and human activity, as well as changes in the status of plants and animals under direct or indirect influence of the environment. The limits of the environment are determined. We have determined the priorities in introducing the terms ‘environment’ and ‘geoecology’ to the science, as well as the basic functions of geoecological science.

The species composition of zooplankton of Vrangel Bay and the adjoining regions of Nakhodka Gulf are considered. In the surveyed area 42 groups of animals belonging to different taxons are observed. Of these groups 28 species are identified (or 67% of the total number of groups). Throughout the surveyed area, the leadership role in the community of copepods belongs to two widespread species, namely, O. similes and P. newmani. An increase in the density of Pleopsis polyphemoides is observed in zooplankton, which points to a high intensity of eutrophication of waters of the bay. The low density of meroplankton of Vrangel Bay indicates the low reproductive potential of populations of ground invertebrates.