Abstract
The effect of technogenic pressure on the weight indices of major endocrine glands responsible for adaptation to adverse environmental conditions was studied in murine rodents. The data obtained in technogenic and natural ecosystems were compared. Using the method of morphophysiological indicators, it was shown that exposure to heavy pollution (emissions from lead and zinc smelters) caused a significant increase in the adrenal index of virgin animals (0.45–0.56 mg/g, compared to 0.15–0.33 mg/g in the norm); conversely, the liver index decreased to 39.0–49.0 mg/g (below the lower limit of the norm). The simultaneous increase in the adrenal index and decrease in the liver index of rodents in autumn are indicative of exhaustion, which leads to an energy breakdown and mass mortality. The core of the population in the next spring consists of juveniles coming from the neighboring biotopes with more favorable conditions. Thus, under the effect of technogenic pressure, a temporary population of small mammals is formed every year.
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Ignatova, N.K., Khristoforova, N.K. Morphological and Functional Changes in Small Mammals Exposed to Technogenic Pressure. Biology Bulletin 30, 281–286 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023816030798
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023816030798