Zoology Optional Syllabus for UPSC
The UPSC Zoology optional is examined in two Mains papers of 250 marks each, 500 marks in total. Paper I has 6 topics and Paper II has 7 topics, listed below with their subtopics.
Zoology Paper I syllabus
1. Non-chordata
- Protozoa to Echinodermata
- Classification, life history
- Adaptive radiation
2. Chordata
- Origin, classification
- Comparative anatomy
- Adaptive radiation, migration
3. Evolution
- Theories, evidence
- Origin of life
- Human evolution
4. Cell Biology
- Cell structure, organelles
- Cell cycle, division
- Cancer biology
5. Genetics
- Mendelian genetics, linkage
- Sex determination
- Mutations, population genetics
6. Biochemistry
- Biomolecules, enzymes
- Metabolism, regulation
- Molecular biology techniques
Zoology Paper II syllabus
1. Physiology
- Digestion, respiration
- Circulation, excretion
- Nervous, endocrine system
2. Developmental Biology
- Gametogenesis, fertilization
- Embryonic development
- Regeneration, aging
3. Ecology
- Ecosystem dynamics
- Population, community ecology
- Conservation biology
4. Behavior
- Instinct, learning
- Social behavior
- Biological rhythms
5. Economic Zoology
- Sericulture, apiculture
- Fisheries, aquaculture
- Pest management
6. Immunology
- Innate, adaptive immunity
- Vaccines, immunization
- Immunological disorders
7. Biotechnology
- Recombinant DNA
- Transgenic animals
- Gene therapy, cloning
Other Sciences optionals
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