Zoology Practicum

The Zoology Practicum serves as a textbook intended for students of biological and related natural science study programs, aiming to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in zoology. The textbook covers an overview of the subject and the historical development of zoology, as well as the basic methods applied in modern zoological research and teaching. Special emphasis is placed on microscopy and microscopic zoological preparations, including types of preparations and the fundamentals of histological analysis. A significant portion of the textbook is devoted to zoological collections as important scientific, educational, and cultural resources, with particular attention to entomological, malacological, ichthyological, batrachological, ornithological, theriological, and paleontological collections. The publication also addresses the basics of paleontology, including the concept and classification of fossils, fossilization processes, and methods for determining the age of rocks and fossils. It provides detailed guidance on the rearing and study of representatives of various animal groups, from protozoans and invertebrates to vertebrates, emphasizing ethical principles, legal restrictions, and prohibitions on collecting animals from the wild. The final section focuses on natural history museums, their role and classification, with special reference to the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Museum of the Republic of Srpska. This textbook represents an integral support to theoretical instruction and contributes to the development of students’ practical competencies in the field of zoology.