The book "Indicative-research activities , imitation and play as psychological mechanisms of adaptation of higher vertebrates” by Natalia Meshkova and Elena Yuryevna Fedorovich is a fascinating and in-depth study which opens to readers the world of psychology and behavior of higher vertebrates. This work will be a real discovery for anyone interested in zoology, ethology, animal psychology and even pedagogy. The authors focus on three key mechanisms that help higher vertebrates adapt to the environment: exploratory activity, imitation, and play. These aspects not only reveal the complex mechanisms of animal interaction with the world, but also allow a better understanding of how their skills, behavior and social connections are formed. The book invites the reader to immerse himself in fascinating examples from the lives of different species, from mammals to birds, demonstrating how these mechanisms contribute to survival and evolution. Who is this book intended for? First of all, it will be of interest to students and graduate students studying biology, psychology and zoology . However, the wider audience will find in it a lot of useful and fascinating .. Nature lovers, zoologists, and educators working with children will be able to extract valuable knowledge and ideas from the book that will help them in their daily practice. The topics raised in the book are relevant and multifaceted. The authors explore how exploratory activities help animals find food, avoid predators, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Imitation, as one of the main mechanisms of learning, is viewed through the prism of social interactions, which allows us to understand how skills and knowledge are transmitted in animal groups. The game, in turn, becomes not only a way of entertainment, but also an important tool for developing the skills necessary for survival. These topics raise important questions about the nature of intelligence and social structure in animals, making the book especially valuable for those interested in questions of evolution and behavior. The style of the authors is distinguished by clarity and accessibility, which makes it easy to perceive even the most complex ideas. They skillfully combine a scientific approach with fascinating examples from the life of animals, which makes reading not only informative, but also fascinating. Natalia Nikolaevna Meshkova and Elena Yuryevna Fedorovich are well-known researchers in the field of zoology and psychology, and their previous works also deserve attention. Their research has always been distinguished by depth of analysis and innovative approaches, which makes this book so valuable. Thus, "Indicative-research activity, imitation and play as psychological mechanisms of adaptation of higher vertebrates" is not just a book, but a whole world that opens up to the reader. It is able to change the perception of animals, their behavior and adaptation, as well as inspire further research and reflection. If you are looking for a fascinating and informative reading that will make you look at nature from a new perspective, this book will be a real find for you.