Mal'ko S. Ecological-biochemical characteristics of Anseriformes as the basis of their adaptive capacities

The thesis is the original research of mechanisms of adaptation in 14 species of Anseriformes carried out in the Azov Sea area of Ukraine. Applying the method of point-rating estimation it has been established that the Mallard, Greylag Goose, White-fronted Goose and the Pochard are the most adaptable to modern ecological conditions, while the least adaptable species are the Shelduck, White-eyed Pochard, Shoveler and the Eider. It is confirmed at the biochemical, trophic, morphological and ethological levels of organization. The antioxidant system of flourishing species works effectively that allows birds to dwell within a large area of their range under extreme anthropogenic load. On the contrary, those species which populations were much reduced as well as the Shelduck which was subjected to biochemical research, are characterized with low efficiency of the antioxidant system, narrow trophic and biotopic specialization. It has led to decline in numbers of these birds and their richness in the range. For species with a high potential in case of reduction of their populations, it is enough to provide protection of their breeding and wintering grounds, regulation of hunting and conservation of key habitats. For species with low adaptive properties it is appropriate to introduce more drastic measures (rearing in breeding farms, raising of heterozygosity at the expense of formation of interpopulation hybrids).