Syllabus for UPSC Zoology Optional

1. Paper I:

1. Non-Chordata and Chordata:
- Detailed study of the following phyla: Protozoa, Porifera, Coelenterata, Aschelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, Hemichordata, and Chordata.
- Comparative study of various classes under each phylum.
- Morphology, anatomy, reproduction, physiology, and ecology of the organisms in each phylum.
- Evolutionary aspects of different groups.

2. Ecology:
- Concepts and principles of ecology.
- Ecosystem dynamics, structure, and function.
- Population ecology.
- Community ecology.
- Ecological adaptations.
- Conservation and biodiversity.

3. Ethology:
- Study of animal behavior.
- Instinct and learning.
- Navigation and migration.
- Social behavior.
- Communication and reproductive behavior.
- Applied ethology.

4. Developmental Biology:
- Gametogenesis, fertilization, and embryogenesis.
- Metamorphosis.
- Regeneration and aging.
- Cell lineage and differentiation.
- Developmental genetics.

5. Economic Zoology:
- Beneficial and harmful aspects of animals.
- Application of zoological knowledge in agriculture, medicine, and industry.
- Pest and disease management.
- Animal biotechnology.

2. Paper II:

1. Cell Biology:
- Structure and function of cell organelles.
- Cell division and cell cycle.
- Cell signaling.
- Cell adhesion and cell junctions.
- Cell death and cell senescence.
- Techniques in cell biology.

2. Genetics:
- Mendelian genetics.
- Chromosomal basis of inheritance.
- Linkage and crossing over.
- Mutation and genetic diseases.
- Quantitative genetics.
- Molecular genetics and genetic engineering.

3. Evolution:
- Origin of life.
- Theories of evolution.
- Mechanisms of evolution.
- Molecular basis of evolution.
- Human evolution.
- Speciation and isolation.

4. Systematics:
- Principles of taxonomy and systematics.
- Classification and nomenclature.
- Phylogenetic analysis.
- Molecular systematics.
- Biogeography and zoogeography.
- Museums and techniques in taxonomy.

5. Biochemistry:
- Structure and function of biomolecules.
- Enzymes and kinetics.
- Metabolic pathways.
- Bioenergetics.
- Vitamins and coenzymes.
- Molecular biology techniques.

Conclusion:
The syllabus for UPSC Zoology optional covers a wide range of topics from various branches of zoology. It includes the study of non-chordata and chordata, ecology, ethology, developmental biology, economic zoology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, systematics, and biochemistry. The syllabus aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject and its applications in various fields.