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Anniversary Dates of Russian Ecology in 2021: Toward an Ecosystem Approach

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Abstract

The idea of an ecosystem is one of the central concepts of modern ecology. Analysis of the structure and dynamics of ecosystems should underlie the scientific development and planning of environmental protection measures. How did systemic concepts in ecology originate and emerge? Hydrobiological studies of continental water bodies, especially lakes, have played an important role on this path. Due to their relative isolation, it was the lakes that served as a kind of testing ground for the formation of holistic principles in ecology. Using the example of several significant dates in 2021, this article analyzes how this happened in our country. In connection with the 150th anniversary of S.A. Zernov, a major organizer and, in essence, the founder of hydrobiological science and education in Russia, his efforts to organize a comprehensive study of water bodies, in particular, research at a biological station on Glubokoe Lake, are described. Particular attention is paid to Zernov’s disciple V.I. Zhadin, the author of one of the first systems of views on the biological productivity of water bodies. In addition, the concept of the biotic balance of water bodies, which was first proposed 75 years ago, in 1946, by G.G. Vinberg is considered. The study of the energy relations of organisms, which is the basis of this concept, is the cornerstone of modern ideas about the functioning of ecosystems.

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  1. S.I. Vavilov Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia

    A. L. Rizhinashvili

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  1. A. L. Rizhinashvili
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Correspondence to A. L. Rizhinashvili.

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The Year of Science and Technology in the Russian Federation

Translated by B. Alekseev

Alexandra L’vovna Rizhinashvili, Cand. Sci. (Biol.), is Head of the Sector for the History of Evolutionary Theory and Ecology at the St. Petersburg Branch of S.I. Vavilov Institute for the History of Science and Technology, RAS, and a Senior Researcher at the sector.

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Rizhinashvili, A.L. Anniversary Dates of Russian Ecology in 2021: Toward an Ecosystem Approach. Her. Russ. Acad. Sci. 92, 106–114 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1019331622010129

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