IAS Examination Syllabus : Zoology

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.