[Viral evolution: the development of the ecological trend in research].

A review of the main development stages of important components of the concept of viral evolution and ecological trends is given. The periods are distinguished by the time of discovery and studies of physicochemical and molecular genetic properties of the viruses, as well as the logic of penetration of general biology and ecology ideas in virology. On the basis of these processes, specific fundamental and applied problems were formulated and developed. Special attention is paid to transmission and preservation of viruses in populations, the role of civilization in development of novel infections, horizons, pathways of prophylaxis and future control of viruses.