Functional approach to the study of animals populations (rodents-adaptations to harmful factors)

Radiosensitivity problem is the part of problem of biological variability and physiological individuality, adaptation and total adaptability. But ionizing radiation influence prognosis is not beyond the theoretical studies yet and has not been developed even for external irradiation (acute and chronic) and known dose loads. Information concerning the responses of variety of organisms to radiation exposure is required to make an assessment of potential environmental impact. There are many data about a various small mammals' radioresistance, but all of them were fulfilled without the account of the functional status of animals. The possibility of two alternative pathways of growth and development) was demonstrated in a natural bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus Screb.) population (South Urals, South taiga subzone). The functional approach, offered by Olenev and used in the zoological investigations, is based upon the functional status (the functional condition, associated with the specificity of growth, development, reproductive condition and succession in time). It has been suggested that three Physiological Functional groups (PFG) should be distinguished. (author)