Attestation committee
Accreditation committee
Expert committee
Dispositions, instructions
Normative acts
MANPOWER TRAINING
Nomenclature
Institutions
Scientific councils
Seminars
Theses		 Scientific advisers
Scientists
Doctoral students
Postdoctoral students
CNAA logo

 română | русский | english


The adaptive peculiarities of populations of Vipera berus L. species (Serpentes, Viperidae) in Republic of Moldova


Author: Postolachi Vladislav
Degree:doctor of biology
Speciality: 03.00.08 - Zoology
Year:2015
Scientific adviser: Nicolae Zubcov
doctor, associate professor (docent), Institute of Zoology
Institution: Institute of Zoology

Status

The thesis was presented on the 30 April, 2015
Approved by NCAA on the 28 May, 2015

Abstract

Adobe PDF document – 1.48 Mb / in romanian

Keywords

common viper, adaptive peculiarities, ecology, ethology.

Summary

Key words: common viper, adaptive peculiarities, ecology, ethology.

Research field: 165.02. Zoology.

The aim of the thesis was to elucidate the adaptive features of populations of Vipera berus (L.) in natural ecosystems and those with a high anthropogenic pressure on the territory of Moldova in order to assess the current status of the population of these squamata and to elaborate the recommendations which contribute to conservation of the species or optimize current situation.

Objectives: (1) the determining of current situation of V. berus on the territory of Moldova; (2) the study of the morphological and biometric peculiarities of V. berus populations; (3) the elucidation of characteristics habitats and the adaptive biotopic features in the studied area; (4) the highlighting of the peculiarities of seasonal and diurnal activity of the species on the territory of Moldova; (5) the study of peculiarities of demographic structure in the populations of stationary polygons research for V. berus; (6) the elucidation of reproductive issues, including the birth and death rates in populations of viper common from research area; (7) the establishing of biocenotic relationships on the territory of Moldova; (8) the elucidation of behavior and ethological adaptive peculiarities of the species.

Scientific novelty. For the first time, the complex research of adaptive peculiarities of common viper common was conducted on the territory of Moldova. The morphological and biometric features, biotope predilection, ecological and ethological adaptations of populations in natural and anthropogenic habitats were elucidated. It was established a new type of frontal shield connection with those parietal. The density of common viper populations was assessed in relation with important biotic and abiotic factors, the features of local conditions. For the first time, the correlation graphs of common viper population density in relation to the consistency of shrubs and thickness of herbaceous substrate were performed. For the first time, the variability scheme of defense reactions was carried out for the common viper.

The solved scientific problem was to elucidate the morphological, biometric feautures, biotopic predilection, the ecological and ethological adaptations, including the equations developing of population density dependence in relation with the consistency of shrubs and thickness of herbaceous substrate, as well the achievement of variability scheme of viper defense reactions, which will minimize errors for assessing the potential habitat for the species.

Theoretical significance and applied value of the work. The obtained results contribute to strengthening the biological knowledge of the species, necessary to protect them. Research conducted in this work contributes to elucidating the role and potential adaptation strategies adopted by adder during environmental changes. The results are a ponderable methodological support in achieving of sustainable monitoring of the species and will serve as irrefutable proof at the establishing actions for protecting them. The research results have been applied in the implementation of the project Ecological Network of Republic of Moldova as part of European Ecological Network. There are used also in the teaching process of the university course.

Implementation of scientific results. The obtained results were applied for develoment and implementation of the project Ecological Network of Moldova. There also were implemented in the teaching process for " Zoology of vertebrate " discipline in Tiraspol State University (Chisinau) and the Moldova State University. The obtained results are applied in the excursion process for guides achievement through the pavilion exhibition "Nature. Man. Culture"of the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History.