(Syllabus) Part - A Preliminary Examination - Syllabus (Zoology) | IAS EXAM PORTAL - India's Largest Community for UPSC Exam Aspirants.

( UPSC Syllabus )
Part A - Preliminary Examination - Optional Subjects
Examination Syllabus - Subject : Zoology

Cell structure and function :
1. Prokaryote and eukaryote.
2. Structure of animal cell, structure and functions of cell organelles.
3. Cell cycle-mitosis, meiosis.
4. Structure and contents of nucleus including nuclear membrane, structure of chromsome and gene, chemistry of genetic components.
5. Mendel's laws of inheritance, linkage and genetic recombination; cytoplasmic inheritance.
6. Function of gene: replication, transcription and translation; mutations (spontaneous and artificial); Recombinant DNA: principle and application.
7. sex determination in Drosophila and man; sex linkage in man.
Systematics :
1. Classification of non-chordates (up to sub-classes) and chordates (up to orders) giving general features and evolutionary relationship of the following phyla: Protozoa, Porifera, Coelenterata, Platyhelminthes, Nematheliminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Minor Phyla (Bryozoa, Phoronida and Chaetognatha) and Hemichordata.
2. Structure reprodcution and life history of the following types: Amoeba, Monocystis, Plasmodium, Paramaecium, Sycon, Hydra, Obelia, Fasciola, Taenia, Ascaris, Neanthes, Pheretima, Hirudinia, Palaemon, Buthus, Periplaneta, Lamellidens, Pila, Asterias and Balanoglossus.
3. Classification of chordates (up to orders), giving general features and evolutionary relationship of the following: Protochordata; Agnatha; Gnathostomata-Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia.
4. Comparative functional anatomy of the following based on type animals (Scoliodon, Rana, Calotes, Columba and Oryctolagus): integrument and its derivatives, endoskeleton, digestive system, respiratory system, circulatory system including heart and aortic arches, urinogenital system; brain and sense organs (eye and ear); endocrine glands and other hormone producing structures, (Pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gonads) their function.
Vertebrate Physiology and Biochemistry :
1. Chemical composition of protoplasm; nature and function of enzymes; vitamins, their sources and role; colloids and hydrogen ion concentration; biological oxidation, electron trasport and role of ATP, enegetics, glycolysis, citric acid cycle; vertebrate hormones: their type, sources and fucntions; pheromones and their role.
2. Neuron and nerve impulse-conduction and transmission across synapses; neurotrasmitters and their role, including acetyl cholinesterase activity.
3. Homeostasis; osmoregulation; active transport and ion pump.
4. Composition of carbohydrates, fats, lipids and proteins; steroids.
Embryology :
1. Gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage; gastrulation in frog and chick
2. Metamorphosis in frog and retrogressive metamorphosis in ascidian; extra-embryonic membranes in chick and mammal; placentation in mamals; Biogenetic law.
Evolution :
1. Origin of life; principles, theories and evidences of evolution; species concept.
2. Zoogeographical realms, insular fauna; geological eras.
3. Evolution of man; evolutionary status of man.
Ecology, Wildlife and Ethology :
1. Abiotic and biotic factors; concept of ecosystem, food chain and energy flow; adaptation of aquatic, terrestrial and aerial fauna; intra-and inter-specific animal relationships; environmental pollution: Types, sources, causes, control and prevention.
2. Wildlife of India; endangered species of India; sanctuaries and national parks of India.
3. Biological rhythms.
Economic Zoology :
1. Beneficial and harmful insects including insect vectors of human diseases.
2. Industrial fish, prawn and molluscs of India.
3. Non-poisonous and poisonous snakes of India.
4. Venomous animals-centipede, wasp, honey bee.
5. Diseases causd by aberrant chromosomes/genes in man; genetic counselling; DNA as a tool for forensic investigation.