In the paper, the author raises the problem with respect to a topical character of the available knowledge in natural sciences gained by traditional societies, as well as need in that kind of knowledge by modern science. Basing on ethnographic materials of the peoples of Siberia, the author substantiates the necessity of a new approach to the investigations in the fields of Shamanism, folk-medicine and ethnoecology.

The article is devoted to identification of approaches towards studying adaptation as a sociocultural phenomenon, as well as systematization of certain aspects of adaptation process. Groups of adaptogenic factors (ecological, social and anthropogenic), essential adaptation types (economic, territorial, psychological, cultural, social) as well as adaptation methods and criteria have been identified.

In the article, the author considers a complex of traditional clothing of the eastern group of the Mansi people and the southern group of the Khanti people in the XVIII–XX cc. Basing on analysis of fabric and style of the clothing and footwear, as well as the types and arrangement of the ornaments, the author identifies similarities with the clothing of the peoples inhabiting the Volga basin, Middle Asia and Siberia.

The author analyses a clan-and-tribal structure and social organization of the Nenetz people inhabiting the Gyidansky peninsula. The clan structure of the Gyidansky Nenetz people developed from the mid-XVIIth century up to the mid-XXth century. In the late XVIIIth century it was supplemented with clans of the Enetz origin, while in the first half of the XXth century — with clans of the Khanti origin and those of the Yamal Nenentz people, Selcoupes, Russians and Tartars. From the middle of the XVIIIth century up to the beginning of the XXth century, the clan structure of the Nenetz people also extended due to subdivision of the proper Nenetz big clans into patronymic units.