The Indian Forest Service (IFS) Zoology optional syllabus for the UPSC exam is divided into two papers: Paper I and Paper II. Each paper tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of zoological concepts, systems, and applications. Here’s the detailed syllabus:
Paper I
1. Non-chordata and Chordata
- Classification and comparative anatomy of non-chordates and chordates.
- Protozoa: Structure, locomotion, nutrition, reproduction, lifecycle, and parasitic protozoans.
- Porifera: General features, canal system, skeleton, and reproduction.
- Coelenterata: Structure, polymorphism, lifecycle, and coral reefs.
- Helminths: Structure, lifecycle, and parasitism.
- Annelida: Segmentation, coelom, and locomotion.
- Arthropoda: Structure, classification, and economic importance.
- Mollusca: Shell structure, locomotion, and feeding.
- Echinodermata: Water vascular system, regeneration, and larval forms.
- Hemichordata: Structure and affinities.
- Chordata: Comparative anatomy of chordates, general features of urochordates and cephalochordates.
2. Ecology
- Concepts and principles of ecology.
- Ecosystem: Structure and function, energy flow, biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystems of India.
- Population ecology: Characteristics, growth, and regulation.
- Community ecology: Structure, species diversity, and succession.
- Applied ecology: Conservation of natural resources, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development.
3. Ethology
- Animal behavior: Types, innate and learned behaviors, communication, and social behavior.
- Neuro-endocrine control of behavior.
- Circadian rhythms and biological clocks.
- Evolution of behavior.
4. Economic Zoology
- Aquaculture: Fish, prawn, and pearl culture.
- Sericulture: Silk production and management.
- Apiculture: Bee keeping and honey production.
- Pest and their control.
- Biological control of pests.
- Vermin and their control.
- Lac culture.
- Man-animal conflicts.
5. Biostatistics
- Types of data and variables.
- Measures of central tendency and dispersion.
- Probability distribution.
- Hypothesis testing and statistical inference.
- Correlation and regression.
Paper II
1. Cell Biology
- Structure and function of cell organelles.
- Cell cycle and cell division.
- Chromosomes: Structure and function.
- Gene expression and regulation.
- Techniques in cell biology.
2. Genetics
- Mendelian inheritance.
- Linkage and crossing over.
- Chromosome mapping.
- Gene mutation.
- Chromosomal aberrations.
- Population genetics.
- Genetic basis of speciation.
3. Evolution
- Origin of life.
- Theories of organic evolution.
- Molecular evolution.
- Mechanisms of speciation.
- Adaptive radiation.
- Isolation mechanisms.
- Fossil record and evolutionary history.
4. Systematics
- Concepts of species and hierarchical taxa.
- Biological nomenclature.
- Classical and quantitative methods of taxonomy.
- Molecular systematics.
5. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Structure and function of biomolecules.
- Enzymes and enzyme kinetics.
- Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- Genetic code and protein synthesis.
- Recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering.
6. Physiology
- Comparative physiology of digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, and reproduction.
- Muscle and nerve physiology.
- Endocrine system and hormone action.
- Homeostasis and thermoregulation.
7. Developmental Biology
- Gametogenesis, fertilization, and early development.
- Embryonic development in vertebrates.
- Organogenesis.
- Metamorphosis.
- Regeneration.
- Genetic and molecular control of development.
This syllabus covers a wide range of topics in zoology, requiring a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of the subject. Candidates should have a solid foundation in zoology at the undergraduate level to excel in this optional subject.
