The first set comprises ecological researches concerning: i) the study of species distribution; ii) the study of species coexistence within communities; iii) the study of the environmental factors controlling species distribution and community structure; iv) the use of species and communities for bioindication and monitoring. The second set is concerned with the study of taxonomy, systematics, and phylogenesis of species and of their biogeograhical history.

The researches on species distribution and coexistence within communities are based of field observations, experiments in the field on in controlled environments and data analyses with different statistical techniques. Genetic methods based on allozymes and DNA are used for taxonomic and phylogenetic research.

Applications include monitoring of natural resources, biomonitoring, conservation, management of protected natural areas and environmental remediation. Last but not least, the work of the Section includes making the results known to a more and more large public.