| Abstract: | The results of long-term radioecological investigations in areas with enhanced level of natural radioactivity in the north of Russia were summarized. Negative changes in animals and in plants inhabiting areas with increased level of natural radioactivity in Komi Republic were revealed. These changes were reveased in increased levels of chromosomal and genomic mutations, destructive processes in internal tissues of animals, disturbances of reproductive functions and reduction of posterity's viability. Compensatory processes that allow animals and plants to survive in extremely adverse conditions both radium and uranium-radium contamination were observed as well. However, obvious signs of adaptation didn't observed. In contrast, in different plant species inhabiting area with increased level of natural radioactivity in taiga zone of Republic Sakha (Yakutia), the stimulation of growth processes, of photosynthesis, endogenous low molecular weight antioxidants synthesis and adaptive response were revealed. Presented findings in review reflect the complex picture of the microevolutionary changes occurring in populations of plants and of animals inhabiting the areas with increased level of natural radioactivity. |
