Population homeostasis
Shilov, I.A.
Zoologicheskii Zhurnal 81(9): 1029-1047
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-5134 Document Number: 457220
Homeostasis is considered as a principal state of dynamic equilibrium with the environment when an organism keeps its properties and the ability to complete its vital functions on the background of the changing environment. Homeostasis is a result of functioning of complex adaptive systems operating according to the principle of reverse relations. In this sense, the principle of homeostasis may be considered as a common specific feature of biological systems of various levels. Particular forms of supporting homeostasis are diverse. The common feature is subdivision of homeostasis mechanisms into stable, which specify adaptation of the system to the most resistant mean environmental characteristics, and labile (functional) ones, which originate as a response to specific environmental state in every given moment. These two types (two levels) of mechanisms act jointly providing for the maximal adaptation of the system and its optimal effective functioning in the complex and dynamic environment. The relative population systems are individual and independent as far as their structure and internal properties remain adaptive under the changing environment. Such population parameters as spatial structure and mechanisms of its support, including mechanisms of territorial "individualization", hierarchy, and genetic structure are considered. Evolutionary and ecological aspects of variability of populations, ways of preserving their genetic heterogeneity, ways and mechanisms of regulation the population density are analyzed.