The vicariant genetic allospecies of the superspecies complex of the great ramshorn snail Planorbarius corneus s. lato, “western” and “eastern” – in Right Bank and Left Bank Ukraine, respectively, – are among the widespread and numerous gastropods in the Ukrainian river network. They possess two modes of respiration: pulmonary and surface (diffusive). The gas exchange in these snails is connected to the presence of the respiratory pigment hemoglobin in their internal liquid medium (hemolymph), which transports oxygen in their tissues and organs, and carbon dioxide to the lungs. We studied the features of impact of three mineral fertilizers widespread in Ukraine (nitrate, potassium and phosphate) used in concentrations measured in MPC 0.01 mg/L (0.5, 1, 2, 3) on the indexes of pulmonary and surface diffusive respiration in both P. corneus s. lato allospecies. Exposure of experimental individuals to 0.5 MPC-solutions of mentioned fertilizers does not affect them. The increase of toxicant concentration up to 2 MPC, however, is followed by an increase in respiratory activity (p≤0.05–0.001), but beyond that up to 3 MPC induces a significant decline (p≤0.001). Considered individually, the examined mineral fertilizers presented the following order by their impact on great ramshorns: nitrate > potassium > phosphate. The “eastern” allospecies appeared to be more sensitive and less durable for all aforementioned pollutants by both lung and direct diffusive respiration, compared to the “western” allospecies (p≤0.05–0.001).

A comparative analysis of the ecological (environmental) educational component of the training in students of Natural Science Departments (Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, Ecology) and future teachers of natural sciences has been carried out. The general and professional competences, program results of training, and applicants training educational programs on the example of several Ukrainian universities are analyzed. It is revealed that the formation of environmental competence is carried out by acquiring environmental education by means of interactive technologies, forms, and methods of organizing the educational process. The positive influence of students’ involvement in research, environmental, ecological, and naturalistic work in extracurricular time on the formation of their environmental competence has been confirmed. The role of educational and industrial practices in the process of students’ professional training and the formation of their environmental competence is emphasized.

Toxicological studies were performed to analyze the effect of Zn2+ in different concentrations on the lung and cutaneous diffusive respiration of great ramshorn Planorbarius corneus (Linnaeus, 1758) allospecies from the two geographically separate populations. At 0.5 MPC Zn2+ in the water containing experimental molluscs, there were no statistically significant changes in the number or duration of inspirations compared to the control. Increasing the concentration of toxicant to 2 MPC was accompanied by a sharp increase in both (p≤0.001), as also in the volume of inspirations (p≤0.05). Increasing concentrations to 5 and 10 MPC was followed by drastic and statistically significant impairments of pulmonary respiration indices. Avoidance also collapsed at these higher concentrations, and the accumulation of thick mucus inhibiting respiration resulted in heavy mortality. Trends were the same in both “western” and “eastern” allospecies, although the latter appeared marginally less resistant. The main reason for changes in respiratory function is the damage inflicted by toxicant on the lung and cutaneous respiratory epithelium. The effects are highly intensified production of mucus which completely blocks oxygen intake by cutaneous epithelium and induces cell death in the respiratory epithelium.

Socio-cultural reality of the present time is marked by quite significant events. First, the active penetration into society of the latest information and communication technologies (ICT), which arose as a result of the rapid development of electronics. And secondly, the formation and spread of a special type of worldview under the general name of "postmodernism". It is the need for a philosophical understanding of these two events and determined the main idea of this article. The article also shows the role of information technology in the transformation of the cultural reality of postmodernism. Also the main directions of application of information systems and innovative technologies in the field of education and science in general, and at studying of disciplines of a natural cycle in particular are covered. Peculiarities of studying natural sciences by students are revealed, didactic potential of ICT and its realization in the process of studying natural disciplines is considered, methodical analysis of the problem of application of information technologies in natural education is carried out. The principle of integration, multimedia clarity, interactive interaction of participants of educational process at application of new information technologies at studying of natural disciplines is allocated. It is determined that ICT in the teaching of natural sciences can intensify the educational process, accelerate the transfer of knowledge and experience, as well as improve the quality of teaching and education.

The article presents the results of scientific analysis of the concept of pre-professional training as a system of psychological, pedagogical, informational and organizational activities in primary school, which is designed to fully ensure the realization of interests, inclinations and abilities of students. It is established that pre-professional training is the basis for choosing the profile (future profession) and place of study, creates prerequisites for life and professional self-determination, realization of personal potential, and is the key to successful reform of senior specialized school. The importance of cross-cutting career guidance at all levels of the educational process is emphasized not only by psychologists and class teachers, but also by teachers of biology and basics of health, in the study of higher nervous activity in particular (section "Mental and spiritual component of health" in 8th and 9th grades). The professional inclinations and monitoring of the formation of professional interests of 8th grade students of Zhytomyr City Lyceum № 1 of Zhytomyr City Council was carried out with the help of differential diagnostic questionnaire designed by E. Klimov, methods of diagnosing the professional orientation developed by B. Bass as well as the author's questionnaire for students. It is identified that one third of 8th grade lyceum students are motivated to acquire a future profession, as well as professional development and improvement; the vast majority of students decided on the future profile of study; however, the lack of a unified focus of professional interests and the diversity of professional types of students, especially in groups of future mathematical studies, had its impact on overall statistical results. The practical experience of organizing pre-professional training in the educational environment of the lyceum is generalized. The method of conducting research training in biology is described, which contributes to the knowledge of one's own temperament and the ratio of one's abilities, aptitudes with further education and future profession.