Annals of the Institute of Biology -

University of Sarajevo

University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Science

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New data on the Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank, 1803) from the tributaries of the Bosna River

Trožić-Borovac, S.¹, Nevaljalović, A.¹

1 University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*sadberatb@outlook.com

Abstract

The crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium is a dominant species of the family Astacidae in the rivers of the Black Sea and Adriatic basins of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Molecular phylogenetic studies in Europe revealed the presence of eight phylogroups. No morphometric and meristic characteristics have been determined that would clearly separate them. The paper presents new data on the morphometric parameters species Austropotamobius torrentium with watercourses Presjenica, Jošanica and Crna Rijeka. This analysis is based on 22 parameters that were measured on 38 crayfish individuals, whose size was larger than 5 cm. Using Anova test, Bonfferoni test and discrimination analysis, it was determined that females differ significantly in a small number of parameters, while males showed greater morphological divergence. The great diversity of habitats of Austropotamobius torrentium in Bosnia and Herzegovina obliges the inclusion of the Dinarides region in molecular phylogenetic studies. This will result in more precise and complete data on Austropotamobius torrentium populations.

Keywords: Stone crayfish, protect, morphometrics, distribution, divergence

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Diversity and distribution of genus Amegilla Friese, 1897 in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

Vesnić, A.^1*, Smailagić Vesnić, L.¹

1 University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*adi.v@pmf.unsa.ba

Abstract

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the genus Amegilla Friese, 1897 is represented by four species. The known diversity of species of the genus Amegilla in Bosnia and Herzegovina was compared with current data on the diversity of bees in the Balkan Peninsula and Europe as a whole. Through extensive field research carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the presence of the following Amegilla species was established: Amegilla albigena (Lepeletier, 1841), Amegilla garrula (Rossi, 1790), and Amegilla quadrifasciata (de Villers, 1789). Additionally, the species Amegilla magnilabris (Fedtschenko, 1875) was documented based on specimens stored in the Zoological Collection of the National Museum in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Amegilla species are distributed in the Mediterranean and Pannonian regions. It's significant to mention that the distribution of Amegilla species in Bosnia and Herzegovina appears to be influenced by specific climatic and geographic factors. These species tend to be absent in the Dinaric region characterized by a continental climate, suggesting a preference for other ecological niches. Analyzing the distribution data further reveals the thermophilic nature of Amegilla species, primarily favoring open-type habitats. The research results highlight the significance of certain climatic variables in shaping their habitat suitability. For instance, the variable Bio 9, representing the mean temperature of the quarter with the least rainfall (the driest period), significantly influences the suitability of the habitat for Amegilla albigena (38.0%) and Amegilla quadrifasciata (16.1%). Meanwhile, for Amegilla garrula, the variable Bio 1, representing the mean annual temperature, plays a pivotal role, accounting for 36.2% of its habitat suitability. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the intricate relationships between climatic factors and species distribution, shedding light on the ecological intricacies of Amegilla species in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Keywords: Solitary bees, biogeography, biodiversity, digger-bees, blue-banded bees.

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Allelopathic Effect of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. and Thymus serpyllum L. Essential Oils on Five Selected Plant Species 

Đopa, M.¹, Pustahija, F^.2, Bašić, N.², Parić, A.¹*

1 University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2 University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Forestry, Zagrebačka 20, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*adisa.p@pmf.unsa.ba 

 Abstract 

In this study allelopathic effects of essential oils from English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) on seed germination and seedling growth of mint (Mentha spicata), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and black locust seeds (Robinia pseudoacacia) was evaluated. The assessment of the allelopathic effect of essential oils was examined in a laboratory biological test. Working solutions of essential oils were prepared in three concentrations (10, 20 and 30 mg/mL). Both oils exhibited allelopathic effects, however, the concentrations that exhibited suppressing effects were different among the plants. It was noticed that English lavender and creeping thyme oils reduced the germination and growth of mint and black locust seeds and significantly suppressed tomato seed germination at higher concentrations (20 and 30 mg/mL), while it increased the lemon balm seed germination. 

Keywords: Alleopathy, creeping thyme, English lavender, essential oils, Lavandula angustifolia, Thymus serpyllum. 

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Non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity of Carex acuta L. (Cyperaceae)

Kos, N.¹, Škondrić, S.¹, Kukavica, B.¹*

1 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mladena Stojanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*biljana.kukavica@pmf.unibl.org

Abstract

Carex acuta leaves were sampled on the edge of the glacial lake Gornje bare (National Park “Sutjeska”, Zelengora mountain, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Two types of samples were taken: plants that grew on moist soil at the time of sampling, designated as CAm, and plants that grew partially submerged at the time of sampling were designated as CAs. Our work aimed to compare the content of photosynthetic pigments, concentration of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids as well as antioxidant capacity between two CAm and CAs samples. Our results showed that the concentration of total chlorophyll and carotenoids were higher in the CAm sample. Higher concentrations of phenolic compounds (28.987± 0.502 mg/g DW) and flavonoids (22.079 ± 1.471 mg/g DW) were measured in CAs samples. The antioxidant capacity measured by the ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method and phosphomolybdenum method were higher in CAm extract. The abilities to reduce Fe3+ ions and to chelate Fe were higher for CAs samples. Obtained results indicate that the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of plants are significantly influenced by environmental conditions even for the same species. The present study provides the first insight into the antioxidant characteristics of C. acuta from the western Balkans.

Keywords: Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, submerged, ABTS, Fe chelating ability, Balkans.

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The Review on the Antimicrobial Potential of Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris L.

Mahmutović-Dizdarević, I.¹*, Žujo., B.¹

1 University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*irma.m@pmf.unsa.ba

Abstract

Adiantum capillus-veneris L. or Maidenhair fern is a perennial fern that belongs to the family Pteridaceae. It is widespread in temperate and tropical regions with high humidity. A. capillus-veneris has a long history of medicinal use, and recent investigations suggest the presence of many bioactive compounds in this plant. This review debates the antimicrobial potential of Adiantum capillus-veneris in a comprehensive manner that includes data about the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. Data regarding the antimicrobial potential of A. capillus-veneris were collected from scientific databases Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The largest number of reviewed studies were related to the antibacterial activity of extracts made from A. capillus-veneris plant. Mainly, leaves, stems, roots, and rhizomes were tested, while water, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane were used as solvents. For the testing of antimicrobial susceptibility, standard tests were implemented, such as the disk-diffusion method, agar dilution method, and determination of MIC and MBC values. There are also studies testing the antibiofilm effects of the investigated plant. Our review showed that A. capillus-veneris exhibits large antibacterial potential, with the capacity to inhibit the growth of different bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. The antifungal and antiviral activity of the investigated plant was also recorded. This review summarized data regarding the antimicrobial potential of A. capillus-veneris and suggests that future phytochemical investigations of ferns may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic agents.  

Keywords: Adiantum capillus-veneris L., antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, plant antimicrobials.

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The Impact of Online Education on Biology Students Motivation and Academic Achievement

Mušanović, M.^1*, Gajević, M.¹

1 University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* mirnesa.musanovic98@hotmail.com

Abstract

Online teaching has changed the dynamics of students' work and led to a series of changes concerning student engagement, motivation and academic success. The main goal of this research was to analyze the success of students from the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science in Sarajevo during online classes compared to traditional classes, and to assess their motivation in online classes. Independent samples t-test, descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis and coding. The impact of online teaching on student success was assessed by comparing the average grades in subjects from the first and second year of study during online and face-to-face teaching. In the academic year 2018/2019, 79 students attended the first year of study, and 66 students attended in 2020/2021. For the second year of study, 74 students attended in the 2018/2019 academic year, while 90 students attended in 2020/2021. From the third and fourth year of study 64 students took part in in the questionnaire to assess motivation. The results showed that online teaching had a positive impact on the academic success of students with a statistically significant difference in the success achieved during online and face-to-face teaching. The research showed that students have a neutral academic motivation and a high degree of cooperation with professors and colleagues, with a significant difference between years of study.

Keywords: Online teaching, academic success, motivation, biology students.

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