Cheremnykh N. The structural and functional organization of small mammal communities and populations in urban conditions

The thesis deals with the research in the structural and functional organization of the communities and populations of small mammals in urban ecosystems. The species structure of small mammal communities in biotopes which are affected by the different degree of urban pressure has been determined, and the role the certain species plays in the community functioning has been estimated. The regulation mechanisms in maintenance of the ecological stability in small mammal communities in urban landscapes have been determined. The species composition and structure of small mammal communities inhabiting the vacant areas of urban ecosystems of different type have been analyzed and compared, the main reasons for community shaping being ascertained. Age and sexual structures of rodent populations in urban environment have been studied, and the role these structures play in the system of regulation mechanisms of self-preservation and persistence of these urban populations has been ascertained. The importance of small mammal communities as the structural component of an urban ecosystem has been evaluated.