RUMPHII: Biological Science Journal (e-ISSN: 3163-7728, since July 24th, 2026) is a scientific journal dedicated to advancing research in the biological sciences and biology education, with a particular emphasis on tropical biodiversity and living systems. Inspired by the legacy of Georg Eberhard Rumphius, the journal promotes integrative and exploratory biological research spanning ecology, taxonomy, molecular biology, biotechnology, environmental biology, and biomedical sciences. The journal welcomes original research articles, reviews, and short communications that contribute to scientific innovation and sustainable resource management. The journal encourages interdisciplinary approaches and regional-global collaboration, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions such as Eastern Indonesia and the Indo-Pacific.
PT. Edutech Publication and Solution and Collaborator Team
Evaluation of Critical Thinking Skills and Student Learning Outcomes through Demonstration and Experimental Learning on Photosynthesis
Mastery of appropriate learning methods plays a crucial role in enhancing students understanding of photosynthesis concepts. The development of critical thinking skills is essential for enabling students to analyze information, construct logical arguments, and interpret scientific data effectively. This study aimed to evaluate the critical thinking skills and learning outcomes of eighth-grade students at Muhammadiyah Mamala Junior High School. The research involved two classes, namely class VIII-A and VIII-B. A quasi-experimental design was employed, where class VIII-A was taught using the demonstration method, while class VIII-B applied the experimental method. The research instruments included critical thinking worksheets, pre-test–post-test assessments to measure learning outcomes, affective observation sheets, and psychomotor assessment sheets. Data were analyzed using the Independent Sample t-test with SPSS v.20. The findings revealed that both instructional methods significantly improved students’ learning outcomes and critical thinking skills. However, the experimental method showed a slightly higher impact compared to the demonstration method. This novelty indicates that both demonstration and experimental approaches are effective in promoting active learning and improving students’ cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. Therefore, teachers are encouraged to integrate these methods into science instruction to enhance students overall learning performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ika Fitri Wakang, Pamela Mercy Papilaya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Differential Nitrogen Source Utilization Drives Growth Dynamics of Chlorella spp. in Walne Medium
Microalgae, particularly Chlorella spp., play a crucial role as primary producers and natural feed in aquaculture systems, making their efficient cultivation especially important in response to the rising global demand for sustainable protein sources. This study aims to analyze the effect of different nitrogen sources, namely NaNO₃, KNO₃, and urea ((NH₂)₂CO), on cell density and specific growth rate of Chlorella spp. A laboratory-based experimental design with a completely randomized design was applied using three treatments with replications. Data were collected through daily observation of cell density using a haemocytometer over a 14-day culture period and analyzed descriptively through growth curves and specific growth rate calculations. The results showed that all treatments exhibited similar growth patterns consisting of lag, exponential, stationary, and decline phases, with peak growth occurring on the ninth day. However, NaNO₃ produced the highest cell density (4.6×10⁷ cells mL-1) and growth rate (0.173 day⁻¹), followed by urea and KNO₃. These findings indicate that Chlorella spp. can adapt to different nitrogen forms, although nitrate remains the most efficient source. Importantly, urea demonstrated comparable performance, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective alternative in microalgae cultivation. This study contributes theoretically to understanding nitrogen utilization in microalgae and practically offers insights for optimizing culture media to improve efficiency in aquaculture applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fadillah Pulu Hattumena, Amos Killay, Edwin Thomas Apituley https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Ecological Role of Seagrass Ecosystems in Structuring Fish Communities: Species Composition, Feeding Ecology, and Activity Patterns in Tropical Coastal Waters
Seagrass ecosystems play a vital role in supporting coastal biodiversity and ecological processes, particularly as habitats for fish communities. This study aims to analyze the ecological role of seagrass ecosystems in the coastal waters of Rutong by examining physicochemical parameters, fish species composition and abundance, stomach content composition, activity patterns, and seagrass density. A qualitative descriptive approach with a field-based ecological survey was employed. Data were collected through field observations, fish sampling, stomach content analysis, and environmental measure­ments, and analyzed using descriptive and thematic techniques. The results showed that water temperature (28 °C), pH (7.74), and salinity (33.3‰) were within optimal ranges for tropical marine ecosystems. A total of 23 fish species with 156 individuals were recorded, with the highest diversity and abundance found in Station 2, indicating the influence of habitat complexity and resource availability. Stomach content analysis revealed diverse feeding strategies, including herbivorous, omnivorous, and carnivorous behaviors, reflecting a well-structured trophic system. Feeding activity was dominant, confirming the role of seagrass as a primary feeding ground, while also functioning as shelter and nursery habitat. Variations in seagrass density across stations further influenced fish distribution and ecological interactions. This study highlights the importance of seagrass ecosystems in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in coastal waters and provides valuable insights for conservation and sustainable coastal resource management.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yunet Rutumalessy, Sanita Suriani, Efraim Samson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Ethnophytomedical Practices and Medicinal Plant Diversity in a Remote Island Community: Evidence from Abusur Village, Southwest Maluku, Indonesia
This study investigates the ethnophytomedical practices of the Abusur village community in Southwest Maluku, Indonesia, emphasizing the diversity, utilization, and cultural significance of medicinal plants in traditional healthcare systems. The research aims to document medicinal plant species, analyze their therapeutic functions, and examine the plant parts utilized by the community. A qualitative descriptive design with an ethnophytomedical approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations, and documentation involving six key informants selected using a snowball sampling technique. Data analysis followed a descriptive qualitative framework supported by simple quantitative measures, including frequency and percentage distribution. The results identified 36 medicinal plant species belonging to 27 families, used to treat a wide range of health conditions from common ailments to chronic diseases. Leaves were the most frequently utilized plant part, accounting for 75.0% of total usage, reflecting a sustainable and accessible practice. The findings highlight the central role of traditional knowledge in supporting primary healthcare, particularly in remote areas with limited access to modern medical services. Furthermore, the study demonstrates a strong interconnection between biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems. This research contributes to ethnophytomedicine by providing empirical evidence from an underrepresented region and offers practical implications for biodiversity conservation, pharmacological development, and the integration of traditional medicine into formal healthcare frameworks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ilona Beatrix Manaha, Joseph Pagaya, Lady Diana Tetelepta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Vegetation Structure and Species Dominance of Mangrove Ecosystems in Kase Coastal Waters South Buru Regency Maluku, Indonesia
Mangrove ecosystems play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity support, and ecological stability, yet they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, particularly in understudied regions such as eastern Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the vegetation structure of mangroves in the coastal waters of Kase Village, South Buru Regency. A quantitative descriptive approach was employed using line transect and plot methods to collect data on species composition, density, frequency, and ecological indices. Data were analyzed using vegetation analysis techniques, including density, frequency, dominance, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, and Importance Value Index (IVI). The results identified three dominant species, namely Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Rhizophora apiculata, and Sonneratia alba, with a total of 699 individuals across seedling, sapling, and tree stages. B. gymnorhiza dominated the seedling and sapling stages, while R. apiculata dominated the tree stage, indicating differences in regeneration and competitive strategies. The diversity index ranged from low to moderate, and the dominance index remained low, suggesting a relatively stable but low-diversity community. The IVI analysis confirmed the ecological importance of B. gymnorhiza and R. apiculata in shaping the community structure. This study contributes to the limited empirical data on mangrove ecosystems in Maluku and highlights the importance of species-specific strategies in mangrove management and restoration efforts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vergenia Sigmarlatu, Deli Wakano, Efraim Samson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0