Home >> Subjects >> Zoology >> Preliminary Syllabus

I. 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 chromsome 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.

II. 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 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.

(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.

III. 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 trasport and role of ATP, enegetics, glycolysis, citric acid cycle; vertebrate hormones: their type, sources and fucntions; pheromones and their role.

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

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

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

IV. 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 mamals; Biogenetic law.

V. 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.

VI. 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.

VII. 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 causd by aberrant chromosomes/genes in man; genetic counselling; DNA as a tool for forensic investigation.