The Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, Novosibirsk
Director – Vladimir K.Shumny, Aacademician of the RAS
Institute of Cytology and Genetics of SB RAS is occupied with the problems of description of biodiversity from genetic point, with its preservation in collectioins, including special genetic ones. The area to be chosen for making the collection depends on the aim and covers the Altai, The Urals, and other regions of Russia and bordering countries. The databases on the present collections are being formed in which one can find the characteristics of material with indication of the place of sampling and the data of genetic analysis of the sample. Becides, the Institute has worked out a complex approach to the study of genetic consequences of various anthropogenic factors which was approved when studying the consequences of nuclear arm tests in Semipalatinsk. Genetic disturbances appearing as a result of these tests can be transmitted from one generation to another and accumulated as genetic load in populations and can manifest themselves in the periods distant enough from the moment of testing. Complex approach provides evaluation of the modern state of populations, prognostication of the future, extrapolaion of the data obtained on the species with short life-cycles on other species (Fig. 1).
The Central Siberian Botanical Garden, SB RAS, Novosibirsk
Director – Igor Yu.Koropachinsky, Academician of the RAS
Main directions of investigation of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden, SB RAS on the theme “Biodiversity” are:
- investigation of Siberian plants biodiversity: higher plants, lichens, algae, fungi, plant communities, and ecosystems;
- making an inventory and classification of biodiversity;
- estimation of plant resources and their modern state, current and long-term monitoring;
- working out the concept of preservation of biodiversity at different organization levels under the effect of anthropogenic factors (Fig. 2).
The Institute of Animal Systematics and Ecology, SB RAS, novosibirsk
Director – Vadim I.Yevsikov, Corresponding Member of the RAS, D.Sci., Professor
Main investigations of the Institute of Animal Systematics of the SB RAS are connected with the study of biodiversity and state of animal resourses. Being a sole specialized zoologic institution among the institutions of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Siberia, it pays much attention to the study and systematization of the species diversity of this vast and still unstudied planetís region. The Institute carries out long-term monitoring of density and distribution of vertebrates and invertebrates, using zoogeographic methods it studies natural heterogeneity of animal populations. Based upon the obtained data it estimates the resources of hunted species, density and distribution of animals and species valuable for biocoenoses and included into the Red Data books of Russia and the International Union for Nature Conservation. On the basis of collected data the specialists draw the maps of distribution of animal populations as well as expertise the ecologic-economic conditions and prognosticate the damage which can be caused to nature when carrying out economic projects and planning nature saving and laying-in arrangements (Fig. 3, 4).
SUKACHEV INSTITUTE OF FOREST, SB RAS, KRASNOYARSK
Director – Eugene A.Vaganov, Academician of the RAS
Main directions of investigation carried out at Sukachev Institute of Forest on the theme ìBiodiversityî are as follows:
- investigation of ecosystems, floral and microbiological diversity of modern forest ecosystems in different natural zones of Siberia, its transformation under the effect of natural and anthropogenic stress, searching for the mechanisms which maintain their resistance;
- study of phenotypic, genetic and caryologic variation of perspective forms and preserving their gene pool;
- palaeocarpologic and palynologic reconstruction of the forest plants communities growing in the Pleustocene and Holocene aimed at revealing the tendencies towards transformation of the zones and plant formations boundaries at different periods.
- study of biodiversity and dynamics of invertebrates in Siberian taiga ecosystems and transformation of these characters under the effect of global natural and anthropogenic factors (Fig. 5).
THE INSTITUTE OF BIOPHYSICS, SB RAS, KRASNOYARSK
Director – Andrey G.Degermendzhy, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Since 1976 the Institute of Biophysics of SB RAS has been cooperating with the Joint Department of Hydrobiology and Ichthyofauna at Krasnoyarsk State University in the field of ecologic monitoring of aquatic ecosystems of Yenisei river basin, including salt lakes of Khakasia. Investigations are carried out in expeditions and in field stationaries. Such components as density, biomass and species biodiversity of hydrobionts, hydrochemical components including forms of nitrogen and phosphorus, melals, organic matter and radiologic characteristics are determined (Fig. 6)
THE INSTITUTE OF GENERAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, SB RAS, ULAN-UDE
Director – Vladimir M.Korsunov, Doctor of Biological Sciences
Institute of General and Experimental Biology conducts the investigation of structure and evolution of unique aqueous and surface ecosystems and solves the problems of their preservation (Fig. 7).
SIBERIAN INSTITUTE OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, SB RAS, IRKUTSK
Director – Ryurik K.Salyaev, Corresponding Member of the RAS
Study of the state of surface ecosystems is importand for establishment of their diversity, peculiarities of functioning, degree of resistance to natural and anthropogenic stress, searhing for optimum ways of monitoring, protection and use of nature. The retrospective study and prognostication of climate changes are made on the basis of dendroclimatic data. The injuriousness of conifer needle-biting insects as an indicator of the risk of a natural character is estimated. Rare, relic and endemic plant and animal species are put down on an inventory. Unique natural communities and their distribution character are studied for provision of the basis for monitoring and preservation of biodiversity of Baikal region. The degradation of forest ecosystems under the effect of air pollution by industrial enterprises is also estimated. The CO2 emission and destruction of organic matter in technologically polluted arable lands of Pribaikal forest-steppe zone is studied.
THE INSTITUTE OF OPTICAL MONITORING, SB RAS, TOMSK
Director – Mikhail V.Kabanov, Corresponding Member of the RAS
The Institute of Atmospheric Optics and the off-branched Institute of Optical Minitoring study propagation of optical radiation in the Earth and other planetsí athosphere, dynamic and climate-forming atmospheric processes and their changes in response to natural and anthropogenis effects.
THE INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF CRYOLITHOZONE, SB RAS, YAKUTSK
Director – Boris I.Ivanov, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences
Studies in the Institute of Biological Problems of Cryolithozone focus on northern ecosystems and biological resources of the region. The results of long-term introduction efforts taken with 1233 taxa of sod-forming grasses under extreme conditions of Yakutia have been summarized. Plant assortment in this region includes 20 lawn-forming and 20 soil-forming plant species. A complex estimation scale for the species under study, a special classification of lawns and recommendations for plants assortment of different types of sod covering have been suggested.
LIMNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, SB RAS, IRKUTSK
Director – Mikhail A.Grachev, Corresponding Member of the RAS, Professor
Limnological Institute (Siberiaís oldest academic institution) is engaged in development of theoretical foundation for rational nature management and protection of natural resources of internal basins of Siberia and the Far East. Of particular concern is the Baikal – the pearl of Siberia. The instituteís activity is focused on the comprehensive study of natural resources of Lake Baikal and its surroundings, the problems for their efficient economic exploitation and preservation. The bulk data are obtained on the hydrologic, hydrochemical, ice and biological regimes of the Lake. The Irkutsk limnologists in collaboration with scientists from Belgium, Germany, USA, Switzerland., Japan, and other countries carry out comprehensive studies of the lake including problems of water circulation and renewal, sedimentation, evolution and functioning of its ecosystem and many others. The institute has a modern fleet of various research vessels.
THE INSTITUTE OF SOIL SCIENCE AND AGROCHEMISTRY, NOVOSIBIRSK
Director – Ilyas M.Gadzhiev, Corresponding Member of the RAS
The specialists of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry have first estimated the quantitative and qualitative characters of composition of humus losses to West Siberian soils using its fractional and complex composition. Long-term utilization of chernozyom both on irrigated and unirrigated soils leads to impoverishment of the chemical composition of humic acids and convert them to most inert organic compounds of soils which loose their capacity for cathiones exchange.
Soil specialists have learned the geologic composition of soil-improved bed-rocks of the Priob highland plane. The complex of soils and rocks developed during the course of one rhythm of sedimentation was considered as being halogeochemical system which functions at definite levels of soil water. Dependent on the composition of aeration zone, closeness of waterproof rocks and the regime of functioning of soil water, the systems allow to study the dynamics of salination process in the course of time.
Institute for Water and Environmental Problems, SB RAS, Barnaul
Director – Yuri I. Vinokurov, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor
Basic topics of research carried out by the Institute for Water and Environmental Problems in the field of biodiversity and environment for 1999-2005.
- Spatial analysis of natural complexes current state and sustainability.
- Regularities in formation and functioning of different aquatic ecosystems of Siberia, assessment of their current state and possible change due to natural and anthropogenic factors impact.
- Biogeochemical situation in land ecosystems and its possible change due to anthropogenic impact.
- Development of methods of modelling and prediction of agrocenosis yield as a basis for agroecosystems monitoring.
- Hydrophysical and hydrochemical, hydrobiological and paleolimnological investigations of Lake Teletskoye and its catchment (Fig. 8).
NOVOSIBIRSK STATE UNIVERSITY
Faculty of natural sciences
Department of Cytology and Genetics
Chairman of the Department – Vladimir K. Shumny, Academician of the RAS, Professor
Vice-chairman of the Department – Lyudmila V.Vysotskaya
Directions of education: introduction to biology, cell biology, genetics, evolutionary theory, immunology, specialization in cytology and genetics.
Directions of investigation: cytogenetics and molecular-genetic characters of model groups of insects (mainly, Orthoptera and chironomids) as related to their evolution and the problem of phylogenesis reconstruction.
Projects: Biodiversity of Orthoptera in Northern Asia (responsive executor: M.G.Sergeyev).
Department of General Biology
Chairman of the Department – Vadim I.Evsikov, Corresponding Member, Dr.Sci., Professor
Vice-chairman of the Department: Michail G.Sergeyev, Dr.Sci, Professor
Directions of education: general biology, botany, zoology, ecology (general and special), biogeography, paleobiology, biology of populations, ethology, specialization in ecology.
Directions of investigation: ecology, biogeography, evolution and biodiversity of model groups of animals (mainly insects: Orthoptera, Lelidoptera, anths), distribution, organization and dynamics of ecosystems and populations, landscape ecology, biology of nature preservation, plant defense.