TY  - JOUR
AU  - Bajić, Branka
AU  - Budinski, Ivana
AU  - Rajičić, Marija
AU  - Miljević, Milan
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Blagojević, Jelena
PY  - 2024
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6707
AB  - Schreiber’s bent-winged bat Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera) is a widespread, cave-dwelling, regionally migrating species whose genetic diversity was studied throughout its distribution area using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Previous studies revealed little to no structuring of populations and established Anatolia to be a single refugium during the last glacial maximum. The Balkans were well covered in these studies but usually lacked samples from Serbia. We sequenced the mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 (HV1) gene in M. schreibersii collected at seven sites in Serbia to assess their genetic relatedness to other European and Asia Minor populations and check whether the Balkans exhibit a higher genetic diversity than Western Europe due to its closeness to Anatolia. We recorded nine haplotypes from Serbia, six of which had not been previously reported, with a haplotype diversity of 0.585. The remaining three were shared with individuals from Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. A single most common haplotype was present throughout the species distribution range, pointing to a well-connected population and as indicated by the shape of the haplotype network, a common origin, and a sudden population expansion. Results complement existing data on M. schreibersii having a non-structured population, adding valuable new data from the Balkans supporting the previous hypothesis about its Anatolian origin.
PB  - Belgrade: Serbian Biological Society
T2  - Archives of Biological Sciences
T1  - A first look at mitochondrial genetic diversity in Miniopterus schreibersii in Serbia
IS  - 1
VL  - 76
DO  - 10.2298/ABS240208006B
SP  - 103
EP  - 110
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Bajić, Branka and Budinski, Ivana and Rajičić, Marija and Miljević, Milan and Rončević, Aleksa and Blagojević, Jelena",
year = "2024",
abstract = "Schreiber’s bent-winged bat Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera) is a widespread, cave-dwelling, regionally migrating species whose genetic diversity was studied throughout its distribution area using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Previous studies revealed little to no structuring of populations and established Anatolia to be a single refugium during the last glacial maximum. The Balkans were well covered in these studies but usually lacked samples from Serbia. We sequenced the mitochondrial hypervariable region 1 (HV1) gene in M. schreibersii collected at seven sites in Serbia to assess their genetic relatedness to other European and Asia Minor populations and check whether the Balkans exhibit a higher genetic diversity than Western Europe due to its closeness to Anatolia. We recorded nine haplotypes from Serbia, six of which had not been previously reported, with a haplotype diversity of 0.585. The remaining three were shared with individuals from Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. A single most common haplotype was present throughout the species distribution range, pointing to a well-connected population and as indicated by the shape of the haplotype network, a common origin, and a sudden population expansion. Results complement existing data on M. schreibersii having a non-structured population, adding valuable new data from the Balkans supporting the previous hypothesis about its Anatolian origin.",
publisher = "Belgrade: Serbian Biological Society",
journal = "Archives of Biological Sciences",
title = "A first look at mitochondrial genetic diversity in Miniopterus schreibersii in Serbia",
number = "1",
volume = "76",
doi = "10.2298/ABS240208006B",
pages = "103-110"
}

Bajić, B., Budinski, I., Rajičić, M., Miljević, M., Rončević, A.,& Blagojević, J.. (2024). A first look at mitochondrial genetic diversity in Miniopterus schreibersii in Serbia. in Archives of Biological Sciences
Belgrade: Serbian Biological Society., 76(1), 103-110.
https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS240208006B

Bajić B, Budinski I, Rajičić M, Miljević M, Rončević A, Blagojević J. A first look at mitochondrial genetic diversity in Miniopterus schreibersii in Serbia. in Archives of Biological Sciences. 2024;76(1):103-110.
doi:10.2298/ABS240208006B .

Bajić, Branka, Budinski, Ivana, Rajičić, Marija, Miljević, Milan, Rončević, Aleksa, Blagojević, Jelena, "A first look at mitochondrial genetic diversity in Miniopterus schreibersii in Serbia" in Archives of Biological Sciences, 76, no. 1 (2024):103-110,
https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS240208006B . .

TY  - JOUR
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Savković, Uroš
AU  - Đorđević, Mirko
AU  - Vlajnić, Lea
AU  - Stojković, Biljana
AU  - Budečević, Sanja
PY  - 2024
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6694
AB  - Morphological plasticity may be induced by altering host plants and commonly it is sexspecific in phytophagous insects. It is hypothesized that stress in insects caused by a host shift
leads to morphological changes and developmental destabilization, which may be identified
by fluctuating asymmetry. We performed reciprocal transplant experiments in eight replicated
populations of the seed beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae,
Bruchinae) adapted to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) as its ancestral host
and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L., Fabaceae) as a suboptimal host. Using methods of
geometric morphometrics we assessed the effects of the short- and long-term host shift on size
and shape variation of beetles of both sexes. We also tested the hypothesis that fluctuating
asymmetry is lower when the beetles develop within seeds of the ancestral host. Our results
showed that females respond more plastically related to their body size and shape of the
abdomen, particularly during a short-term host shift, suggesting that females have a greater
importance in maintaining the population on a new host. The level of fluctuating asymmetry
is lowest in males that have evolved for generations on bean indicating that they have the
most canalized development, so we suggested that symmetry in A. obtectus is maintained by
sexual selection. Even if the beetles are adapted to a suboptimal host over many generations,
they stabilize their development after returning to the ancestral host. Our work indicates that
host shifts may change morphological aspects of the beetles in a sex-specific manner and
consequently influence their developmental trajectories.
PB  - John Wiley & Sons Ltd
T2  - Entomologia Experimentalis at Applicata
T1  - Sex-specific consequences of host shift for morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach
DO  - 10.1111/eea.13453
ER  - 

@article{
author = "Rončević, Aleksa and Savković, Uroš and Đorđević, Mirko and Vlajnić, Lea and Stojković, Biljana and Budečević, Sanja",
year = "2024",
abstract = "Morphological plasticity may be induced by altering host plants and commonly it is sexspecific in phytophagous insects. It is hypothesized that stress in insects caused by a host shift
leads to morphological changes and developmental destabilization, which may be identified
by fluctuating asymmetry. We performed reciprocal transplant experiments in eight replicated
populations of the seed beetle Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae,
Bruchinae) adapted to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., Fabaceae) as its ancestral host
and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L., Fabaceae) as a suboptimal host. Using methods of
geometric morphometrics we assessed the effects of the short- and long-term host shift on size
and shape variation of beetles of both sexes. We also tested the hypothesis that fluctuating
asymmetry is lower when the beetles develop within seeds of the ancestral host. Our results
showed that females respond more plastically related to their body size and shape of the
abdomen, particularly during a short-term host shift, suggesting that females have a greater
importance in maintaining the population on a new host. The level of fluctuating asymmetry
is lowest in males that have evolved for generations on bean indicating that they have the
most canalized development, so we suggested that symmetry in A. obtectus is maintained by
sexual selection. Even if the beetles are adapted to a suboptimal host over many generations,
they stabilize their development after returning to the ancestral host. Our work indicates that
host shifts may change morphological aspects of the beetles in a sex-specific manner and
consequently influence their developmental trajectories.",
publisher = "John Wiley & Sons Ltd",
journal = "Entomologia Experimentalis at Applicata",
title = "Sex-specific consequences of host shift for morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach",
doi = "10.1111/eea.13453"
}

Rončević, A., Savković, U., Đorđević, M., Vlajnić, L., Stojković, B.,& Budečević, S.. (2024). Sex-specific consequences of host shift for morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach. in Entomologia Experimentalis at Applicata
John Wiley & Sons Ltd..
https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13453

Rončević A, Savković U, Đorđević M, Vlajnić L, Stojković B, Budečević S. Sex-specific consequences of host shift for morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach. in Entomologia Experimentalis at Applicata. 2024;.
doi:10.1111/eea.13453 .

Rončević, Aleksa, Savković, Uroš, Đorđević, Mirko, Vlajnić, Lea, Stojković, Biljana, Budečević, Sanja, "Sex-specific consequences of host shift for morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach" in Entomologia Experimentalis at Applicata (2024),
https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.13453 . .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Rajičić, Marija
AU  - Miljević, Milan
AU  - Bajić, Branka
AU  - Budinski, Ivana
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Blagojević, Jelena
PY  - 2024
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6690
AB  - Lyme disease is a widespread zoonosis and a major health concern in Europe. This zoonosis is caused by tick-transmitted pathogenic Gram-negative spirochetes belonging to a group called Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). The Borrelia transmission cycle includes the vector, vertebrate reservoir, and host species. At least five different genospecies have been identified as human pathogens in Europe. Previous studies showed that the most frequently detected genospecies in Belgrade is Borrelia afzelii, whose main reservoirs are small mammals. The most common small mammals in Belgrade forests are mice from the genus Apodemus (A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus), which are infective for ticks throughout their lifespan with varying efficiency.
We investigated the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in Apodemus species in six fragment urban forests in the Belgrade area, and Avala Mt. A total of 142 animals were analysed for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in isolated DNA by RT-PCR. For positive samples, we performed PCR and sequencing of the OspA gene to identify the genospecies. 
Our study revealed varying prevalence rates of only one genospecies, B. afzelii, in Apodemus specimens across different localities. The highest prevalence was observed on Avala mountain (25%), followed by Miljakovačka šuma (16%), Kvantaš (9%), Ada Ciganlija (9%) and Zvezdara (8%). No infected animals were detected in Stepin Gaj and Košutnjak.
This is the study of Borrelia prevalence in small mammal reservoirs in the Belgrade area. Understanding the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in the genus Apodemus in the Belgrade area is of great value for comprehending the ecology of this pathogen and potential risk zones.
AB  - Лајмска болест је широко распрострањена зооноза и данас представља велики здравствени проблем у Европи. Ову зоонозу изазивају патогене грам-негативне спирохете које припадају групи која се зове Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) и преносе се крпељима. Цео циклус преноса борелије укључује векторе, кичмењаке као резервоар и врсте крајњег домаћина. Најмање пет различитих геноврста идентификоване су као људски патогени у Европи. Досадашња истраживања су показала да је најчешће забележена геноврста у Београду Borrelia afzelii, чији су главни резервоари мали сисари. Најчешћи мали сисари у београдским шумама су мишеви из рода Apodemus (A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus) који су, са различитом ефикасношћу, током целог свог животног века инфективни за крпеље.
Истраживали смо распрострањеност B. burgdorferi s.l. у врстама Apodemus у шест великих урбаних шума на подручју Београда и на планини Авали. Укупно 142 животиње су анализиране на присуство B. burgdorferi s.l. у изолованој ДНК помоћу РТ-ПЦР. За позитивне узорке, урадили  смо ПЦР и секвенцирање OspA гена да бисмо идентификовали геноврсте.
Наша студија је открила различите стопе преваленције само једне геноврсте, B. afzelii, у јединкама рода Apodemus, на различитим локалитетима. Највећа преваленција забележена је на планини Авали (25%), затим Миљаковачкој шуми (16%), Кванташу (9%), Ади Циганлији (9%) и Звездари (8%). У Степином Гају и Кошутњаку није откривена ни једна заражена животиња.
Ово је студија о распрострањености борелије у малим сисарима као резервоарима на подручју Београда. Разумевање распрострањености B. burgdorferi s.l. у роду Apodemus на подручју Београда је од великог значаја за сагледавање екологије овог патогена и потенцијалних ризичних зона.
PB  - Belgrade: Serbian Veterinary Society, Section for Zoonoses
C3  - Book of abstracts: 26th Symposium of epizootiologist and epidemiologist; 2024 Apr 10-12; Banja Koviljača, Serbia
T1  - The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Apodemus species, the most common small mammal in Belgrade forests
T1  - Преваленца Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato код врста рода Apodemus, најчешћих малих сисара у београдским шумама
SP  - 192
EP  - 193
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6690
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Rajičić, Marija and Miljević, Milan and Bajić, Branka and Budinski, Ivana and Rončević, Aleksa and Blagojević, Jelena",
year = "2024",
abstract = "Lyme disease is a widespread zoonosis and a major health concern in Europe. This zoonosis is caused by tick-transmitted pathogenic Gram-negative spirochetes belonging to a group called Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.). The Borrelia transmission cycle includes the vector, vertebrate reservoir, and host species. At least five different genospecies have been identified as human pathogens in Europe. Previous studies showed that the most frequently detected genospecies in Belgrade is Borrelia afzelii, whose main reservoirs are small mammals. The most common small mammals in Belgrade forests are mice from the genus Apodemus (A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus), which are infective for ticks throughout their lifespan with varying efficiency.
We investigated the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in Apodemus species in six fragment urban forests in the Belgrade area, and Avala Mt. A total of 142 animals were analysed for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in isolated DNA by RT-PCR. For positive samples, we performed PCR and sequencing of the OspA gene to identify the genospecies. 
Our study revealed varying prevalence rates of only one genospecies, B. afzelii, in Apodemus specimens across different localities. The highest prevalence was observed on Avala mountain (25%), followed by Miljakovačka šuma (16%), Kvantaš (9%), Ada Ciganlija (9%) and Zvezdara (8%). No infected animals were detected in Stepin Gaj and Košutnjak.
This is the study of Borrelia prevalence in small mammal reservoirs in the Belgrade area. Understanding the prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in the genus Apodemus in the Belgrade area is of great value for comprehending the ecology of this pathogen and potential risk zones., Лајмска болест је широко распрострањена зооноза и данас представља велики здравствени проблем у Европи. Ову зоонозу изазивају патогене грам-негативне спирохете које припадају групи која се зове Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) и преносе се крпељима. Цео циклус преноса борелије укључује векторе, кичмењаке као резервоар и врсте крајњег домаћина. Најмање пет различитих геноврста идентификоване су као људски патогени у Европи. Досадашња истраживања су показала да је најчешће забележена геноврста у Београду Borrelia afzelii, чији су главни резервоари мали сисари. Најчешћи мали сисари у београдским шумама су мишеви из рода Apodemus (A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus) који су, са различитом ефикасношћу, током целог свог животног века инфективни за крпеље.
Истраживали смо распрострањеност B. burgdorferi s.l. у врстама Apodemus у шест великих урбаних шума на подручју Београда и на планини Авали. Укупно 142 животиње су анализиране на присуство B. burgdorferi s.l. у изолованој ДНК помоћу РТ-ПЦР. За позитивне узорке, урадили  смо ПЦР и секвенцирање OspA гена да бисмо идентификовали геноврсте.
Наша студија је открила различите стопе преваленције само једне геноврсте, B. afzelii, у јединкама рода Apodemus, на различитим локалитетима. Највећа преваленција забележена је на планини Авали (25%), затим Миљаковачкој шуми (16%), Кванташу (9%), Ади Циганлији (9%) и Звездари (8%). У Степином Гају и Кошутњаку није откривена ни једна заражена животиња.
Ово је студија о распрострањености борелије у малим сисарима као резервоарима на подручју Београда. Разумевање распрострањености B. burgdorferi s.l. у роду Apodemus на подручју Београда је од великог значаја за сагледавање екологије овог патогена и потенцијалних ризичних зона.",
publisher = "Belgrade: Serbian Veterinary Society, Section for Zoonoses",
journal = "Book of abstracts: 26th Symposium of epizootiologist and epidemiologist; 2024 Apr 10-12; Banja Koviljača, Serbia",
title = "The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Apodemus species, the most common small mammal in Belgrade forests, Преваленца Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato код врста рода Apodemus, најчешћих малих сисара у београдским шумама",
pages = "192-193",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6690"
}

Rajičić, M., Miljević, M., Bajić, B., Budinski, I., Rončević, A.,& Blagojević, J.. (2024). The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Apodemus species, the most common small mammal in Belgrade forests. in Book of abstracts: 26th Symposium of epizootiologist and epidemiologist; 2024 Apr 10-12; Banja Koviljača, Serbia
Belgrade: Serbian Veterinary Society, Section for Zoonoses., 192-193.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6690

Rajičić M, Miljević M, Bajić B, Budinski I, Rončević A, Blagojević J. The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Apodemus species, the most common small mammal in Belgrade forests. in Book of abstracts: 26th Symposium of epizootiologist and epidemiologist; 2024 Apr 10-12; Banja Koviljača, Serbia. 2024;:192-193.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6690 .

Rajičić, Marija, Miljević, Milan, Bajić, Branka, Budinski, Ivana, Rončević, Aleksa, Blagojević, Jelena, "The prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Apodemus species, the most common small mammal in Belgrade forests" in Book of abstracts: 26th Symposium of epizootiologist and epidemiologist; 2024 Apr 10-12; Banja Koviljača, Serbia (2024):192-193,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6690 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Rajičić, Marija
AU  - Bajić, Branka
AU  - Budinski, Ivana
AU  - Miljević, Milan
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Blagojević, Jelena
PY  - 2023
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6424
AB  - Background
B chromosomes (Bs) are infrequent in bat species, with only four known so far, including Lesser Noctule, Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1817). This western Palearctic species is widely distributed, though seldom captured, due to its late emergence from roosts or the fact they are tree dwellers, thus difficult to track. As a known long-distance migrant, it covers substantial distances between summer and winter roosts. Previously, a cytogenetical study investigated chromosome sets of four males from two Serbian locations, revealing karyotypes with two to five micro Bs. Notably, studies on female N. leisleri are scarce.
Materials and Methods
Recently, karyotypes and B's presence of additional specimens from southwestern Serbia (two males), and Belgrade (one female) were examined. Chromosome slides were made from the primary fibroblast cell cultures established from a piece of skin from the wing membrane. At least 20 metaphase plates per individual were assessed.
Results
The species’ standard chromosome complement counts 44 (42 autosomes and a sex chromosome pair), with extra chromosomes classified as Bs. In two males, counts were 2n=44+1B and 2n=44+2B, while the Belgrade female had 2n=44+2B. Notably, the X chromosome was a medium-sized metacentric and the Y chromosome was a small acrocentric, while all Bs were microchromosomes. A previous study from Poland from 1970 reported a female N. leisleri karyotype of 2n=46, but Bs were not mentioned due to the analysis of a single individual. Our findings of a female with 2n=44 and two additional Bs suggest that the Polish study likely shared the same scenario.
Conclusions
The paucity of B chromosomes in bats might be attributed to their small genome size, possibly linked to the energy demands of flight. Additionally, bats’ low reproductive rates could hinder Bs establishment and maintenance, as opposed to rodents, which exhibit the highest occurrence of Bs among mammals. This research marks the first confirmation of Bs in female N. leisleri, and supplements the limited understanding of additional chromosomes in bats with two more male karyotypes.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia (Grants No. 451-03-47/2023-01/200007).
PB  - Springer Nature
C3  - Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia
T1  - B chromosomes of the bat species Nyctalus leisleri from Serbia
DO  - 10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9
SP  - 33
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Rajičić, Marija and Bajić, Branka and Budinski, Ivana and Miljević, Milan and Rončević, Aleksa and Blagojević, Jelena",
year = "2023",
abstract = "Background
B chromosomes (Bs) are infrequent in bat species, with only four known so far, including Lesser Noctule, Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1817). This western Palearctic species is widely distributed, though seldom captured, due to its late emergence from roosts or the fact they are tree dwellers, thus difficult to track. As a known long-distance migrant, it covers substantial distances between summer and winter roosts. Previously, a cytogenetical study investigated chromosome sets of four males from two Serbian locations, revealing karyotypes with two to five micro Bs. Notably, studies on female N. leisleri are scarce.
Materials and Methods
Recently, karyotypes and B's presence of additional specimens from southwestern Serbia (two males), and Belgrade (one female) were examined. Chromosome slides were made from the primary fibroblast cell cultures established from a piece of skin from the wing membrane. At least 20 metaphase plates per individual were assessed.
Results
The species’ standard chromosome complement counts 44 (42 autosomes and a sex chromosome pair), with extra chromosomes classified as Bs. In two males, counts were 2n=44+1B and 2n=44+2B, while the Belgrade female had 2n=44+2B. Notably, the X chromosome was a medium-sized metacentric and the Y chromosome was a small acrocentric, while all Bs were microchromosomes. A previous study from Poland from 1970 reported a female N. leisleri karyotype of 2n=46, but Bs were not mentioned due to the analysis of a single individual. Our findings of a female with 2n=44 and two additional Bs suggest that the Polish study likely shared the same scenario.
Conclusions
The paucity of B chromosomes in bats might be attributed to their small genome size, possibly linked to the energy demands of flight. Additionally, bats’ low reproductive rates could hinder Bs establishment and maintenance, as opposed to rodents, which exhibit the highest occurrence of Bs among mammals. This research marks the first confirmation of Bs in female N. leisleri, and supplements the limited understanding of additional chromosomes in bats with two more male karyotypes.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia (Grants No. 451-03-47/2023-01/200007).",
publisher = "Springer Nature",
journal = "Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia",
title = "B chromosomes of the bat species Nyctalus leisleri from Serbia",
doi = "10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9",
pages = "33"
}

Rajičić, M., Bajić, B., Budinski, I., Miljević, M., Rončević, A.,& Blagojević, J.. (2023). B chromosomes of the bat species Nyctalus leisleri from Serbia. in Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia
Springer Nature., 33.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9

Rajičić M, Bajić B, Budinski I, Miljević M, Rončević A, Blagojević J. B chromosomes of the bat species Nyctalus leisleri from Serbia. in Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia. 2023;:33.
doi:10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9 .

Rajičić, Marija, Bajić, Branka, Budinski, Ivana, Miljević, Milan, Rončević, Aleksa, Blagojević, Jelena, "B chromosomes of the bat species Nyctalus leisleri from Serbia" in Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia (2023):33,
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9 . .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Blagojević, Jelena
AU  - Malkov, Saša
AU  - Rajičić, Marija
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Budinski, Ivana
AU  - Bajić, Branka
AU  - Miljević, Milan
AU  - Vujošević, Mladen
PY  - 2023
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6428
AB  - Background
Long-term studies on B chromosome (Bs) dynamics in natural populations of yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis, have unveiled intriguing seasonal variations influenced by environmental factors. On average, one third of animals possessed Bs in large natural populations. Urbanization, a potent catalyst for genetic diversity alterations, brings about habitat fragmentation and degradation, producing patches of small forested areas within urban landscapes. These fragmented habitats pose significant challenges for small mammal populations as migration and gene flow are severely restricted. To comprehensively grasp the repercussions of urbanization on B chromosome frequency, we embarked on a study within the Belgrade region.
Materials and Methods
The frequency of individuals with B chromosomes in five urban isolated forests populations of A. flavicollis has been studied. Employing live animal traps, we collected samples, and chromosome preparation was done directly from the bone marrow. Each animal’s karyotype was analysed through examination of twenty metaphase figures.
Results
A total of 246 animals were sampled across five forest sites within the Belgrade territory and underwent karyotyping. The prevalence of animals with Bs exhibited remarkable variability, ranging from 3% to 50%.
Intriguingly, at four of the sites, the incidence of Bs was significantly lower (ranging from 3% to 13%) compared to the average frequencies observed in natural populations. Conversely, at one site, the frequency soared to an exceptionally high 50%. Since all studied localities are at short distances from each other, climatic factors could be considered as the same. However, the studied sites differ in size and the level of adaptation to people’s urban life. In a bid to elucidate the driving factors behind frequency variation, we developed a model simulating the influence of genetic drift, the predominant evolutionary force in small, isolated populations.
Conclusions
Beyond investigations focused on the molecular structure and origin of B chromosomes, it becomes evident that a comprehensive understanding necessitates population-level research, shedding light on
the intricate mechanisms governing their persistence across diverse environments.
PB  - Springer Nature
C3  - Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia
T1  - Variation in the frequency of B chromosomes in small isolated populations of Apodemus flavicollis
DO  - 10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9
SP  - 33
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Blagojević, Jelena and Malkov, Saša and Rajičić, Marija and Rončević, Aleksa and Budinski, Ivana and Bajić, Branka and Miljević, Milan and Vujošević, Mladen",
year = "2023",
abstract = "Background
Long-term studies on B chromosome (Bs) dynamics in natural populations of yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis, have unveiled intriguing seasonal variations influenced by environmental factors. On average, one third of animals possessed Bs in large natural populations. Urbanization, a potent catalyst for genetic diversity alterations, brings about habitat fragmentation and degradation, producing patches of small forested areas within urban landscapes. These fragmented habitats pose significant challenges for small mammal populations as migration and gene flow are severely restricted. To comprehensively grasp the repercussions of urbanization on B chromosome frequency, we embarked on a study within the Belgrade region.
Materials and Methods
The frequency of individuals with B chromosomes in five urban isolated forests populations of A. flavicollis has been studied. Employing live animal traps, we collected samples, and chromosome preparation was done directly from the bone marrow. Each animal’s karyotype was analysed through examination of twenty metaphase figures.
Results
A total of 246 animals were sampled across five forest sites within the Belgrade territory and underwent karyotyping. The prevalence of animals with Bs exhibited remarkable variability, ranging from 3% to 50%.
Intriguingly, at four of the sites, the incidence of Bs was significantly lower (ranging from 3% to 13%) compared to the average frequencies observed in natural populations. Conversely, at one site, the frequency soared to an exceptionally high 50%. Since all studied localities are at short distances from each other, climatic factors could be considered as the same. However, the studied sites differ in size and the level of adaptation to people’s urban life. In a bid to elucidate the driving factors behind frequency variation, we developed a model simulating the influence of genetic drift, the predominant evolutionary force in small, isolated populations.
Conclusions
Beyond investigations focused on the molecular structure and origin of B chromosomes, it becomes evident that a comprehensive understanding necessitates population-level research, shedding light on
the intricate mechanisms governing their persistence across diverse environments.",
publisher = "Springer Nature",
journal = "Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia",
title = "Variation in the frequency of B chromosomes in small isolated populations of Apodemus flavicollis",
doi = "10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9",
pages = "33"
}

Blagojević, J., Malkov, S., Rajičić, M., Rončević, A., Budinski, I., Bajić, B., Miljević, M.,& Vujošević, M.. (2023). Variation in the frequency of B chromosomes in small isolated populations of Apodemus flavicollis. in Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia
Springer Nature., 33.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9

Blagojević J, Malkov S, Rajičić M, Rončević A, Budinski I, Bajić B, Miljević M, Vujošević M. Variation in the frequency of B chromosomes in small isolated populations of Apodemus flavicollis. in Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia. 2023;:33.
doi:10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9 .

Blagojević, Jelena, Malkov, Saša, Rajičić, Marija, Rončević, Aleksa, Budinski, Ivana, Bajić, Branka, Miljević, Milan, Vujošević, Mladen, "Variation in the frequency of B chromosomes in small isolated populations of Apodemus flavicollis" in Meeting Abstracts from the 5th B Chromosome Conference; 2023 Oct 14-17; Petnica, Serbia (2023):33,
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12919-023-00284-9 . .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Rajičić, Marija
AU  - Miljević, Milan
AU  - Bajić, Branka
AU  - Budinski, Ivana
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Vujošević, Mladen
AU  - Blagojević, Jelena
PY  - 2023
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6282
AB  - B chromosomes (Bs) are additional elements to the standard karyotype that are not required for
normal growth and development. Bs are predominantly derived from chromosomes of the
standard chromosome set. In some species, these supernumerary chromosomes are passed on to
the next generation more frequently than would be expected under Mendel's law of segregation.
Although the molecular mechanism is unknown, this chromosome drive can occur during
premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic division. Inheritance of B chromosomes across generations is
unknown in many species, including Apodemus flavicollis. The standard karyotype of this
species (2n=48) may contain up to eight B chromosomes, but animals with 1B are most
common. Animals with Bs are present in all studied populations of A. flavicollis in Serbia with
different frequencies (0.10-0.64).
Here we studied the transmission rate of B chromosomes in captive-bred pairs of A. flavicollis.
Juveniles were selected for sex and Bs markers, all of which were determined by PCR. In
addition, primary cell cultures and chromosome preparations were performed for animals with
positive B markers to select animals with 1B. In this way, we were able to form two
combinations of breeding pairs: four pairs with 1B females and 0B males and three pairs with 0B
females and 1B males.
In the pairs where the female had 1B and the male 0B, we obtained a total of 20 offspring, 14 of
which were carriers of the B chromosome (13 with 1B and one animal was a mosaic with 0-2Bs
in the cells). In pairs where males were carriers of 1B and females of 0B, we obtained 10
offspring, of which five animals were carriers of the B chromosome (4 with 1B and one animal
was a mosaic with 0-1B).
In our previous studies of more than forty natural populations, the frequencies of animals with
Bs were the same in males and females. Also, previous studies of meiotic segregation in males
showed that there was no accumulation of Bs, suggesting a general lack of meiotic drive. Herein,
for the first time, we found deviations from Mendel's law of segregation in the transmission of
Bs by the female sex. Our preliminary results suggest the possible presence of a meiotic drive in
the female sex of A. flavicollis, in which ¾ of the offspring inherit B from the mother, whereas in
the male sex B is inherited according to Mendel's law of segregation. However, the small number
of crossed pairs of animals and the small number of litters in the present study indicate the need
to continue this experiment to address the issue of Bs transmission across generations in A.
flavicollis
PB  - Novosibirsk: Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS
C3  - Abstracts: International conference: Chromosome 2023; 2023 Sep 5-10; Novosibirsk, Russia
T1  - B chromosome inheritance in Apodemus flavicollis
DO  - 10.25205/978-5-4437-1514-8
SP  - 42
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Rajičić, Marija and Miljević, Milan and Bajić, Branka and Budinski, Ivana and Rončević, Aleksa and Vujošević, Mladen and Blagojević, Jelena",
year = "2023",
abstract = "B chromosomes (Bs) are additional elements to the standard karyotype that are not required for
normal growth and development. Bs are predominantly derived from chromosomes of the
standard chromosome set. In some species, these supernumerary chromosomes are passed on to
the next generation more frequently than would be expected under Mendel's law of segregation.
Although the molecular mechanism is unknown, this chromosome drive can occur during
premeiotic, meiotic, or postmeiotic division. Inheritance of B chromosomes across generations is
unknown in many species, including Apodemus flavicollis. The standard karyotype of this
species (2n=48) may contain up to eight B chromosomes, but animals with 1B are most
common. Animals with Bs are present in all studied populations of A. flavicollis in Serbia with
different frequencies (0.10-0.64).
Here we studied the transmission rate of B chromosomes in captive-bred pairs of A. flavicollis.
Juveniles were selected for sex and Bs markers, all of which were determined by PCR. In
addition, primary cell cultures and chromosome preparations were performed for animals with
positive B markers to select animals with 1B. In this way, we were able to form two
combinations of breeding pairs: four pairs with 1B females and 0B males and three pairs with 0B
females and 1B males.
In the pairs where the female had 1B and the male 0B, we obtained a total of 20 offspring, 14 of
which were carriers of the B chromosome (13 with 1B and one animal was a mosaic with 0-2Bs
in the cells). In pairs where males were carriers of 1B and females of 0B, we obtained 10
offspring, of which five animals were carriers of the B chromosome (4 with 1B and one animal
was a mosaic with 0-1B).
In our previous studies of more than forty natural populations, the frequencies of animals with
Bs were the same in males and females. Also, previous studies of meiotic segregation in males
showed that there was no accumulation of Bs, suggesting a general lack of meiotic drive. Herein,
for the first time, we found deviations from Mendel's law of segregation in the transmission of
Bs by the female sex. Our preliminary results suggest the possible presence of a meiotic drive in
the female sex of A. flavicollis, in which ¾ of the offspring inherit B from the mother, whereas in
the male sex B is inherited according to Mendel's law of segregation. However, the small number
of crossed pairs of animals and the small number of litters in the present study indicate the need
to continue this experiment to address the issue of Bs transmission across generations in A.
flavicollis",
publisher = "Novosibirsk: Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS",
journal = "Abstracts: International conference: Chromosome 2023; 2023 Sep 5-10; Novosibirsk, Russia",
title = "B chromosome inheritance in Apodemus flavicollis",
doi = "10.25205/978-5-4437-1514-8",
pages = "42"
}

Rajičić, M., Miljević, M., Bajić, B., Budinski, I., Rončević, A., Vujošević, M.,& Blagojević, J.. (2023). B chromosome inheritance in Apodemus flavicollis. in Abstracts: International conference: Chromosome 2023; 2023 Sep 5-10; Novosibirsk, Russia
Novosibirsk: Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS., 42.
https://doi.org/10.25205/978-5-4437-1514-8

Rajičić M, Miljević M, Bajić B, Budinski I, Rončević A, Vujošević M, Blagojević J. B chromosome inheritance in Apodemus flavicollis. in Abstracts: International conference: Chromosome 2023; 2023 Sep 5-10; Novosibirsk, Russia. 2023;:42.
doi:10.25205/978-5-4437-1514-8 .

Rajičić, Marija, Miljević, Milan, Bajić, Branka, Budinski, Ivana, Rončević, Aleksa, Vujošević, Mladen, Blagojević, Jelena, "B chromosome inheritance in Apodemus flavicollis" in Abstracts: International conference: Chromosome 2023; 2023 Sep 5-10; Novosibirsk, Russia (2023):42,
https://doi.org/10.25205/978-5-4437-1514-8 . .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Budečević, Sanja
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Đorđević, Mirko
AU  - Vlajnić, Lea
AU  - Stojković, Biljana
AU  - Pešić, Snežana
AU  - Vukajlović, Filip
AU  - Predojević, Dragana
AU  - Mitrovski Bogdanović, Ana
AU  - Stojković, Oliver
AU  - Savković, Uroš
PY  - 2023
UR  - https://ece2023.com/scientific-program/
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/6254
AB  - Host-shift induced stress in phytophagous insects could have effect on developmental destabilization. Indicator of developmental instability is fluctuating asymmetry (FA)- small random deviations between right and left side of bilateral symmetrical traits. In theory, symmetry is subject to sexual selection in insects, since FA is considered as an indicator of male quality. Response to environmental variation is commonly sex-specific and can affect patterns of sexual dimorphism. We performed reciprocal transplant experiment in eight replicated seed beetle (Acanthoscelides obtectus) populations adapted to bean and chickpea. Within the framework of experimental evolution and using the method of geometric morphometrics we: 1. observed the effects of long and short term host-shift on patterns of shape variation of beetles of both sexes and 2. tested hypothesis that both sexes will have a higher level of FA after long or short term change from optimal to suboptimal host. We found that long term host-shift process affected shape in a way that bean adapted beetles had wider and shorter abdomen compared to chickpea adapted ones. Short-term effects are more notable in bean selected beetles, especially in the abdominal region. Bean adapted males had the most canalized development, i.e. the lowest level of FA, compared to chickpea beetles. In chickpea adapted females, difference in level of FA significantly decreased after the short term host-shift. Our work indicates that host-shift process can change morphological aspects of beetles in a sex-specific manner and consequently influence their developmental trajectories.
PB  - Hellenic Entomological Society
C3  - Book of abstracts: 12th European Congress of Entomology: ECE 2023 Crete; 2023 Oct 16-20; Heraklion, Greece
T1  - Experimentally induced host-shift changes morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in sex-specific manner in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach
SP  - 362
EP  - 363
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6254
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Budečević, Sanja and Rončević, Aleksa and Đorđević, Mirko and Vlajnić, Lea and Stojković, Biljana and Pešić, Snežana and Vukajlović, Filip and Predojević, Dragana and Mitrovski Bogdanović, Ana and Stojković, Oliver and Savković, Uroš",
year = "2023",
abstract = "Host-shift induced stress in phytophagous insects could have effect on developmental destabilization. Indicator of developmental instability is fluctuating asymmetry (FA)- small random deviations between right and left side of bilateral symmetrical traits. In theory, symmetry is subject to sexual selection in insects, since FA is considered as an indicator of male quality. Response to environmental variation is commonly sex-specific and can affect patterns of sexual dimorphism. We performed reciprocal transplant experiment in eight replicated seed beetle (Acanthoscelides obtectus) populations adapted to bean and chickpea. Within the framework of experimental evolution and using the method of geometric morphometrics we: 1. observed the effects of long and short term host-shift on patterns of shape variation of beetles of both sexes and 2. tested hypothesis that both sexes will have a higher level of FA after long or short term change from optimal to suboptimal host. We found that long term host-shift process affected shape in a way that bean adapted beetles had wider and shorter abdomen compared to chickpea adapted ones. Short-term effects are more notable in bean selected beetles, especially in the abdominal region. Bean adapted males had the most canalized development, i.e. the lowest level of FA, compared to chickpea beetles. In chickpea adapted females, difference in level of FA significantly decreased after the short term host-shift. Our work indicates that host-shift process can change morphological aspects of beetles in a sex-specific manner and consequently influence their developmental trajectories.",
publisher = "Hellenic Entomological Society",
journal = "Book of abstracts: 12th European Congress of Entomology: ECE 2023 Crete; 2023 Oct 16-20; Heraklion, Greece",
title = "Experimentally induced host-shift changes morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in sex-specific manner in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach",
pages = "362-363",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6254"
}

Budečević, S., Rončević, A., Đorđević, M., Vlajnić, L., Stojković, B., Pešić, S., Vukajlović, F., Predojević, D., Mitrovski Bogdanović, A., Stojković, O.,& Savković, U.. (2023). Experimentally induced host-shift changes morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in sex-specific manner in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach. in Book of abstracts: 12th European Congress of Entomology: ECE 2023 Crete; 2023 Oct 16-20; Heraklion, Greece
Hellenic Entomological Society., 362-363.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6254

Budečević S, Rončević A, Đorđević M, Vlajnić L, Stojković B, Pešić S, Vukajlović F, Predojević D, Mitrovski Bogdanović A, Stojković O, Savković U. Experimentally induced host-shift changes morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in sex-specific manner in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach. in Book of abstracts: 12th European Congress of Entomology: ECE 2023 Crete; 2023 Oct 16-20; Heraklion, Greece. 2023;:362-363.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6254 .

Budečević, Sanja, Rončević, Aleksa, Đorđević, Mirko, Vlajnić, Lea, Stojković, Biljana, Pešić, Snežana, Vukajlović, Filip, Predojević, Dragana, Mitrovski Bogdanović, Ana, Stojković, Oliver, Savković, Uroš, "Experimentally induced host-shift changes morphology and fluctuating asymmetry in sex-specific manner in a seed beetle: an experimental evolution approach" in Book of abstracts: 12th European Congress of Entomology: ECE 2023 Crete; 2023 Oct 16-20; Heraklion, Greece (2023):362-363,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_6254 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Blagojević, Jelena
AU  - Rajičić, Marija
AU  - Adnađević, Tanja
AU  - Budinski, Ivana
AU  - Bajić, Branka
AU  - Miljević, Milan
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Vujošević, Mladen
PY  - 2023
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5775
AB  - B chromosomes (Bs), or supernumerary chromosomes, are highly polymorphic special chromosome group. Among rodents, 37 species harbour individuals with Bs in their populations. Genus Apodemus is specific, with even six species having Bs. Furthermore, long-term studies in natural populations of the yellow-necked wood mouse Apodemus flavicollis showed that one-third of individuals carry Bs on average. In more than 40 natural populations we analysed in Serbia, the frequency of animals with Bs ranged from 0.11 to 0.63 and correlated negatively with average temperature and positively with attitude. In general, non-Mendelian transmission and frequent heterochromatic composition are characteristics that have classified Bs as selfish genetic elements in the past. However, there are increasing confirmations of active genes in them, which opens the discussion on their adaptive significance. We aim to investigate how urbanisation influences the frequency of Bs in this species. Urbanisation is rapidly changing natural habitats and affecting animal community composition, genetic diversity, and the interrelationship between populations of native species. Habitat fragmentation is the leading course of genetic diversity loss. We analysed the frequency of animals with Bs in four managed city forests on the territory of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, characterised by different sizes and degrees of isolation. Our study revealed that the frequency of animals with Bs varies significantly among studied sites, from 0.04 to 0.50. We assume that, besides other factors, genetic drift plays a significant role in obtained differences.
PB  - Valladolid: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Valladolid
C3  - Book of Abstracts: 17th Rodens et spatium; 2023 May 22-26; Valladolid, Spain
T1  - B chromosomes in urban populations of yellow-necked wood mice, Apodemus flavicolis (Mammalia, Rodentia)
SP  - 30
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5775
ER  - 

@conference{
editor = "Herrero, Cófreces, Larena, Silvia, Larena, Luque, José, Juan",
author = "Blagojević, Jelena and Rajičić, Marija and Adnađević, Tanja and Budinski, Ivana and Bajić, Branka and Miljević, Milan and Rončević, Aleksa and Vujošević, Mladen",
year = "2023",
abstract = "B chromosomes (Bs), or supernumerary chromosomes, are highly polymorphic special chromosome group. Among rodents, 37 species harbour individuals with Bs in their populations. Genus Apodemus is specific, with even six species having Bs. Furthermore, long-term studies in natural populations of the yellow-necked wood mouse Apodemus flavicollis showed that one-third of individuals carry Bs on average. In more than 40 natural populations we analysed in Serbia, the frequency of animals with Bs ranged from 0.11 to 0.63 and correlated negatively with average temperature and positively with attitude. In general, non-Mendelian transmission and frequent heterochromatic composition are characteristics that have classified Bs as selfish genetic elements in the past. However, there are increasing confirmations of active genes in them, which opens the discussion on their adaptive significance. We aim to investigate how urbanisation influences the frequency of Bs in this species. Urbanisation is rapidly changing natural habitats and affecting animal community composition, genetic diversity, and the interrelationship between populations of native species. Habitat fragmentation is the leading course of genetic diversity loss. We analysed the frequency of animals with Bs in four managed city forests on the territory of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, characterised by different sizes and degrees of isolation. Our study revealed that the frequency of animals with Bs varies significantly among studied sites, from 0.04 to 0.50. We assume that, besides other factors, genetic drift plays a significant role in obtained differences.",
publisher = "Valladolid: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Valladolid",
journal = "Book of Abstracts: 17th Rodens et spatium; 2023 May 22-26; Valladolid, Spain",
title = "B chromosomes in urban populations of yellow-necked wood mice, Apodemus flavicolis (Mammalia, Rodentia)",
pages = "30",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5775"
}

Herrero, C., Larena, S., Larena, L., José, J., Blagojević, J., Rajičić, M., Adnađević, T., Budinski, I., Bajić, B., Miljević, M., Rončević, A.,& Vujošević, M.. (2023). B chromosomes in urban populations of yellow-necked wood mice, Apodemus flavicolis (Mammalia, Rodentia). in Book of Abstracts: 17th Rodens et spatium; 2023 May 22-26; Valladolid, Spain
Valladolid: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Valladolid., 30.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5775

Herrero C, Larena S, Larena L, José J, Blagojević J, Rajičić M, Adnađević T, Budinski I, Bajić B, Miljević M, Rončević A, Vujošević M. B chromosomes in urban populations of yellow-necked wood mice, Apodemus flavicolis (Mammalia, Rodentia). in Book of Abstracts: 17th Rodens et spatium; 2023 May 22-26; Valladolid, Spain. 2023;:30.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5775 .

Herrero, Cófreces, Larena, Silvia, Larena, Luque, José, Juan, Blagojević, Jelena, Rajičić, Marija, Adnađević, Tanja, Budinski, Ivana, Bajić, Branka, Miljević, Milan, Rončević, Aleksa, Vujošević, Mladen, "B chromosomes in urban populations of yellow-necked wood mice, Apodemus flavicolis (Mammalia, Rodentia)" in Book of Abstracts: 17th Rodens et spatium; 2023 May 22-26; Valladolid, Spain (2023):30,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5775 .

TY  - CONF
AU  - Rončević, Aleksa
AU  - Rajičić, Marija
AU  - Budinski, Ivana
AU  - Miljević, Milan
AU  - Bajić, Branka
AU  - Adnađević, Tanja
AU  - Blagojević, Jelena
PY  - 2022
UR  - http://radar.ibiss.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/5191
AB  - The global process of urbanization largely affects the natural environment and its wildlife. The main effects of that process are the fragmentation of habitats and their mutual isolation. Urban infrastructure surrounds preserved forest areas in the cities and prevents the migration of small mammals between them. Yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis is a widespread species in Palearctic forests. Due to extensive urbanization processes in Belgrade city, we wanted to explore its effects on morphometric variation using skulls of this species as convenient objects. We chose two urban and two natural forest populations. One of the chosen locations in Belgrade has been isolated for a long time, while the highway relatively recently separated the other. The main goal of this study was to understand how habitat alteration influence populations of A. flavicollis by determining differences in morphological variation among studied populations. A total of 95 skulls of A. flavicollis adult and subadult animals were analysed from four locations in Serbia, two urban (Košutnjak 29; Stepin gaj 22) and two natural (Avala 30; Senokos 15). Animals were collected from 2015 to 2020, sacrificed, and their skulls were cleaned using dermestid beetles. Images of the mandibles and skulls, together with the scale in millimeters, were obtained with a digital camera. We digitized 14 mandible and 30 cranium landmarks using tpsDig software. The size (Centroid size) and shape (Procrustes distances) variations of the left mandibles and cranium’s ventral side were compared between populations and sexes using landmark-based geometric morphometry in MorphoJ software. Skull and mandible shape variations differed significantly among the central urban population on Košutnjak and the other three analyzed populations and between the population of Stepin gaj and the most distant location from Belgrade, Senokos. The same pattern of variations between analyzed populations was observed for the mandible and the cranium regarding the size. Differences between sexes were not observed in terms of locations or the size of the mandible and cranium. Two natural populations did not morphologically differ from each other. Obtained results indicate that the urban populations of A. flavicollis are morphologically affected by urbanization. The urban environment produces a decrease in migration rate between forest patches and thus decreases gene flow. In theory, small populations, highly isolated, are becoming exposed to the strong effect of genetic drift. The most isolated population from Košutnjak shows limited phenotypic variability, otherwise characteristic of the island population. The other urban population, Stepin gaj differs from the closely located Košutnjak but not from the natural population from Avala, which is also closely located but relatively recently separated by highway and regional roads. Using landmark-based geometric morphometry, we obtained that natural and urban (Belgrade) populations of yellow-necked mouse A. flavicollis are divergent in skull traits. We suggest that phenotypic divergence is associated with human activity that leads to the isolation of natural habitats and their conversion into urban forests.
PB  - Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society
C3  - Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia
T1  - The effects of urban habitats on morpholological variations of a skull in populations of yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis
SP  - 165
EP  - 165
UR  - https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5191
ER  - 

@conference{
author = "Rončević, Aleksa and Rajičić, Marija and Budinski, Ivana and Miljević, Milan and Bajić, Branka and Adnađević, Tanja and Blagojević, Jelena",
year = "2022",
abstract = "The global process of urbanization largely affects the natural environment and its wildlife. The main effects of that process are the fragmentation of habitats and their mutual isolation. Urban infrastructure surrounds preserved forest areas in the cities and prevents the migration of small mammals between them. Yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis is a widespread species in Palearctic forests. Due to extensive urbanization processes in Belgrade city, we wanted to explore its effects on morphometric variation using skulls of this species as convenient objects. We chose two urban and two natural forest populations. One of the chosen locations in Belgrade has been isolated for a long time, while the highway relatively recently separated the other. The main goal of this study was to understand how habitat alteration influence populations of A. flavicollis by determining differences in morphological variation among studied populations. A total of 95 skulls of A. flavicollis adult and subadult animals were analysed from four locations in Serbia, two urban (Košutnjak 29; Stepin gaj 22) and two natural (Avala 30; Senokos 15). Animals were collected from 2015 to 2020, sacrificed, and their skulls were cleaned using dermestid beetles. Images of the mandibles and skulls, together with the scale in millimeters, were obtained with a digital camera. We digitized 14 mandible and 30 cranium landmarks using tpsDig software. The size (Centroid size) and shape (Procrustes distances) variations of the left mandibles and cranium’s ventral side were compared between populations and sexes using landmark-based geometric morphometry in MorphoJ software. Skull and mandible shape variations differed significantly among the central urban population on Košutnjak and the other three analyzed populations and between the population of Stepin gaj and the most distant location from Belgrade, Senokos. The same pattern of variations between analyzed populations was observed for the mandible and the cranium regarding the size. Differences between sexes were not observed in terms of locations or the size of the mandible and cranium. Two natural populations did not morphologically differ from each other. Obtained results indicate that the urban populations of A. flavicollis are morphologically affected by urbanization. The urban environment produces a decrease in migration rate between forest patches and thus decreases gene flow. In theory, small populations, highly isolated, are becoming exposed to the strong effect of genetic drift. The most isolated population from Košutnjak shows limited phenotypic variability, otherwise characteristic of the island population. The other urban population, Stepin gaj differs from the closely located Košutnjak but not from the natural population from Avala, which is also closely located but relatively recently separated by highway and regional roads. Using landmark-based geometric morphometry, we obtained that natural and urban (Belgrade) populations of yellow-necked mouse A. flavicollis are divergent in skull traits. We suggest that phenotypic divergence is associated with human activity that leads to the isolation of natural habitats and their conversion into urban forests.",
publisher = "Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society",
journal = "Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia",
title = "The effects of urban habitats on morpholological variations of a skull in populations of yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis",
pages = "165-165",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5191"
}

Rončević, A., Rajičić, M., Budinski, I., Miljević, M., Bajić, B., Adnađević, T.,& Blagojević, J.. (2022). The effects of urban habitats on morpholological variations of a skull in populations of yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis. in Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia
Skopje: Macedonian Ecological Society., 165-165.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5191

Rončević A, Rajičić M, Budinski I, Miljević M, Bajić B, Adnađević T, Blagojević J. The effects of urban habitats on morpholological variations of a skull in populations of yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis. in Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia. 2022;:165-165.
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5191 .

Rončević, Aleksa, Rajičić, Marija, Budinski, Ivana, Miljević, Milan, Bajić, Branka, Adnađević, Tanja, Blagojević, Jelena, "The effects of urban habitats on morpholological variations of a skull in populations of yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis" in Abstract book: 6th Congress of Ecologists of the Republic of North Macedonia, with International Participation; 2022 Oct 15-18; Ohrid, North Macedonia (2022):165-165,
https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_ibiss_5191 .