The syllabus for the Zoology optional paper is as follows:
Paper-I:
- Non-Chordata and Chordata:
- Protozoa: Locomotion and reproduction in Protozoa.
- Porifera: Skeleton, canal system, and reproduction in Porifera.
- Coelenterata: Polymorphism, coral formation, and metagenesis in Obelia and Aurelia.
- Platyhelminthes: Parasitic adaptation, larval forms, and development in Fasciola and Taenia.
- Nematoda: Locomotion and reproduction in Ascaris and Wuchereria.
- Annelida: Coelom and metamerism in Nereis.
- Arthropoda: Larval forms and parasitism in Cirripedia.
- Mollusca: Feeding, respiration, and reproduction in Lamellibranchiata.
- Echinodermata: Water vascular system and metamorphosis in Starfish.
- Cell Biology:
- Structure and function of cell organelles (nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, ribosomes, microbodies).
- Cell division (mitosis and meiosis).
- Chromosome structure.
- DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.
- Gene structure and regulation of gene expression.
- Genetics:
- Mendelian inheritance.
- Chromosomal theory of inheritance.
- Linkage and crossing over.
- Extrachromosomal inheritance.
- Gene mapping.
- Human genetics.
- DNA fingerprinting.
- Evolution:
- Theories of evolution.
- Mechanisms of evolution.
- Hardy-Weinberg Law.
- Origin of life.
- Theories of organic evolution.
- Adaptive radiation.
- Biochemistry:
- Structure and role of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- Enzymes.
- Vitamins and cofactors.
- Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Paper-II:
- Ecology:
- Principles of ecology.
- Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Succession.
- Biomes.
- Conservation biology.
- Ethology:
- Instinct, learning, and memory.
- Orientation and navigation.
- Biological rhythms.
- Social organization in insects and primates.
- Communication in animals.
- Economic Zoology:
- Sericulture.
- Lac culture.
- Apiculture.
- Pisciculture.
- Pearl industry.
- Applied Zoology:
- Medical entomology.
- Pesticides and their application.
- Sericulture.
- Lac culture.
- Apiculture.
- Pisciculture.
- Parasitology:
- Parasitism and types of parasites.
- Host-parasite relationship.
- Parasitic adaptation.
- Protozoan and helminthic parasites of man and domestic animals.
- Epidemiology of parasitic infections.
It’s important to note that the UPSC syllabus may be subject to revisions, and candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC website or notification for the most up-to-date information.
