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On April 20, 2026, at the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Zoology, Histology and Cytology, as part of pedagogical practice, a first-year master’s student of the “Zoology” educational program, Viktoria Konstantinovna Khimonen, under the supervision of Senior Lecturer Ekaterina Valeryevna Akentyeva, conducted an open lecture for 3rd-year undergraduate students in the course “Ecological Physiology of Animals.”

The lecture focused on the sensory systems of various animal groups and their corresponding behaviors. The content included a detailed comparative analysis of environmental perception mechanisms across various taxonomic groups, ranging from simple receptors in invertebrates to highly complex sensory systems in mammals and birds. Special attention was paid to the adaptive capabilities of sensory organs in the context of species survival in natural habitats. Students explored the principles of photoreception, chemoreception, and specialized orientation mechanisms such as echolocation and electroreception, which enable animals to survive in extreme environments—from the depths of the world’s oceans to high-altitude ecosystems.

The lecture was closely linked to the implementation of global UN initiatives. Within SDG No. 14 “Life Below Water,” the impact of anthropogenic noise pollution on the sensory systems of cetaceans and fish was discussed, highlighting the fragility of underwater ecosystems and the need to protect oceanic bioresources. In the context of SDG No. 15 “Life on Land,” the speaker emphasized the importance of preserving natural landscapes, where light and chemical pollution can disrupt migration routes and reproductive behavior, ultimately leading to biodiversity loss.

The session was conducted in an interactive format, with 3rd-year students actively participating in discussions on how fundamental knowledge in physiology contributes to the development of conservation strategies for rare and endangered species. The use of modern visualization techniques and scientific continuity helped the audience gain a deeper understanding of the role of zoological science in addressing contemporary challenges.

At the end of the event, Senior Lecturer Ekaterina Valeryevna Akentyeva noted the high quality of the material and the ability of master’s student Viktoria Khimonen to integrate specialized scientific data into the broader context of sustainable development. Such open lectures contribute to forming a comprehensive approach among future zoologists toward studying living nature and fostering responsibility for its preservation for future generations.

Department of Zoology, Histology, and Cytology

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