(SYLLABUS) ZOOLOGY - PRELIMINARY SYLLABUS

(SYLLABUS) ZOOLOGY - PRELIMINARY SYLLABUS

INDIAN CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATIONS (UPSC)

Cell Structure and function

(a) Prokaryote and eukaryote.

(b) Structure of animal cell, structure and functions of cell organelles.

(c) Cell cycle—mitosis, meiosis.

(d) Structure and contents of nucleus, including nuclear membrane, structure of  chromosome and gene, chemistry of genetic components.    

(e) Mendel’s laws of inheritance, linkage and genetic recombination; cytoplasmic inheritance.

(f) Function of gene: replication, transcription and translation; mutations (spontaneous and artificial); Recombinant DNA: principle and application.

(g) Sex determination in Drosophila and man; sex linkage in man.

 Systematics

(a) 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.

(b) Structure reproduction 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.

(c) Classification of chordates (up to orders), giving general features and evolutionary relationship of the following: Protochordata; Agnatha; Gnathostomata—Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia.

(d) 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

(a) Chemical composition of protoplasm; nature and function of enzymes; vitamins, their sources and role; colloids and hydrogen ion concentration; biological oxidation, electron transport and role of ATP, energetics, glycolysis, citric acid cycle; vertebrate hormones: their type, sources and functions; pheromones and their role.

(b) Neuron and nerve impulse—conduction and transmission across synapses;   neurotransmitters and their role, including acetyl cholinesterase activity.

(c) Homeostasis; osmoregulation; active transport and ion pump.

(d) Composition of carbohydrates, fats, lipids and proteins; steroids.

 Embryology

(a) Gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage; gastrulation in frog and chick

(b) Metamorphosis in frog and retrogressive metamorphosis in ascidian; extra embryonic           membranes in chick and mammal; placentation in mammals; Biogenetic law.

 Evolution

(a) Origin of life; principles, theories and evidences of evolution; species concept.

(b) Zoogeographical realms, insular fauna; geological eras.

(c) Evolution of man; evolutionary status of man.

Ecology, Wildlife and Ethology

 (a) 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.

(b) Wildlife of India; endangered species of India; sanctuaries and national parks of India.

(c) Biological rhythms.

Economic Zoology

(a)    Beneficial and harmful insects, including insect vectors of human diseases.

(b)   Industrial fish, prawn and molluscs of India.

(c)     Non-poisonous and poisonous snakes of India.

(d)    Venomous animals—centipede, wasp, honey bee.

(e)     Diseases caused by aberrant chromosomes/genes in man; genetic counselling; DNA as a tool for forensic investigation.