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Based on 20 autosomal microsatellite markers, the results of analysis of the genetic structure and spatial autocorrelation in the populations of grey wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) on the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan are described. Using molecular markers, hidden genealogical patterns are revealed, which have the most pronounced effect on distances up to 150 km but may be traced over much wider spaces, up to 700–1600 km. Our research has shown that identification and exclusion of closely related genotypes has limited effect on the results of the analysis of intrapopulation genetic diversity. Meanwhile, this procedure is recommended for a more adequate assessment of the population structure since it allows for streamlining some statistical approaches. Thus, the obtained data demonstrate the integrating effect of natal migration, which works against the differential effect of philopatry. Finally, it is also shown that the exclusion of closely related individuals can lead to lower values of genetic distances between populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addresses continuous developmental education, focusing on the theoretical foundations of continuity between the preschool and primary school stages. Describes the Russian "Program of Cultural Development of Four-Year-Old and Five-Year-Old Children" that is an approach to designing developmental preschool education. Discusses the connections among the three sections of the program. (CMK)

A population genetic study of the wolf, Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758, was carried out on a part of the range in Russia and Kazakhstan with a focus on the origin, the state of the gene pool and the status of the steppe wolf (nominative subspecies C. l. campestris). Using the analysis of 18 nuclear microsatellite loci, it was shown that the level of intrapopulation genetic diversity of the steppe wolf of Kazakhstan is quite high; the allelic and genetic diversity is comparable with the populations of the steppe wolf in other regions (steppes of the European south of Russia) and forest and mountain-forest ecotypes inhabiting the Caucasus, the Urals, and Western Siberia. The analysis of the differentiation of the studied samples in the STRUCTURE program allows us to conclude that the steppe wolf gene pool contains both a local cluster of genotypes and immigrants from neighboring territories adjacent to the steppe from the north. The possible impact of anthropogenic pressure in the form of population regulation in the Soviet and post-Soviet times and subsequent recolonization from surrounding donor populations is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic diversity ofwild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) inhabiting the European part of Russia, including Komi Republic, Arkhangelsk oblast, Murmansk oblast, and the Republic of Karelia was characterized using sequence polymorphism of the mtDNA control region. Despite of currently low population number of wild reindeer, they were characterized by a high level of genetic diversity (pi = 0.018; H= 0.872 to 0.914). Phylogenetic analysis showed close relationships between European reindeer and wild reindeer of Siberia. In reindeer from Murmansk oblast a haplotype in common with the wild reindeer form Southwestern Norway was described. The reindeer sample examined contained no haplotypes earlier described for the reindeer of Central Norway. It is suggested that in recent past wild reindeer from the European north of Russia formed one population with the reindeer from the north of the Asian part of Eurasia.