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Zoology

UPSC Zoology 2022 — Paper I

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Zoology 2022 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IPaper

Topics covered

Zoology diverse topics - sensory organs, symmetry, endocrine, cnidoblasts, Sphenodon (1)Reproduction in Paramecium, mammal classification, fish scales (1)Wuchereria life cycle, Porifera canal systems, human eye structure (1)Reptile origin and adaptive radiation, mammalian teeth, Herdmania (1)Ecology, biostatistics, molecular biology, animal behaviour, human genetics (1)Primate social behaviour, environmental pollution, biostatistics (1)Biodiversity conservation, animal learning behaviour, PCR technique (1)Tuberculosis, nitrogen fixation, gene therapy (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory write short notes Zoology diverse topics - sensory organs, symmetry, endocrine, cnidoblasts, Sphenodon

Write short notes on each of the following in about 150 words: (a) Structure of visual organs of cockroach. (10 marks) (b) What is meant by symmetry? Write about different types of symmetry in animals. (10 marks) (c) Structure and functions of endocrine pancreas. (10 marks) (d) "Cnidoblasts as defensive organs in coelenterates". Justify. (10 marks) (e) Evolutionary status of Sphenodon. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में टिप्पणी लिखिए : (a) कॉकरोच के चाक्षुष अंगों की संरचना । (10 अंक) (b) सममिति से क्या अभिप्राय है ? प्राणियों में विभिन्न प्रकार की सममिति के बारे में लिखिए । (10 अंक) (c) अंतःस्रावी अग्न्याशय की संरचना एवं उसके कार्य । (10 अंक) (d) "सीलेंटेरेटा में दंशकोरक रक्षात्मक अंगों के रूप में" । औचित्य सिद्ध कीजिए । (10 अंक) (e) स्फीनोडॉन की विकासीय स्थिति । (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1: Define > Structure/Mechanism > Diagram > Example. (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (d) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise definitions, detailed structures, labelled diagrams, specific examples, and clear mechanisms.

  • Distinguish between compound and simple eyes
  • Detail the structure of the compound eye (ommatidia)
  • Describe the structure of the ommatidium (cornea, lens, rhabdom)
  • Mention the function of the three ocelli
  • Define symmetry in biological terms
  • Explain radial symmetry with an example (e.g., Cnidaria)
  • Explain bilateral symmetry with an example (e.g., Arthropoda)
  • Mention asymmetry as a type
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Q2
50M explain Reproduction in Paramecium, mammal classification, fish scales

(a) Explain asexual and sexual modes of reproduction in Paramecium. (20 marks) (b) Write general features of egg laying mammals, pouched mammals and aquatic mammals. (15 marks) (c) Describe different types of scales in fishes with suitable diagrams. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) पैरामीशियम में अलैंगिक एवं लैंगिक जनन के तरीकों का वर्णन कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) अंडा देने वाले स्तनधारियों, कोष्ठधारी स्तनधारियों एवं जलीय स्तनधारियों की सामान्य विशेषताओं के बारे में लिखिए । (15 अंक) (c) उपयुक्त रेखा-चित्रों द्वारा मछलियों में विभिन्न प्रकार के शल्कों की व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1: Define > Structure/Mechanism > Diagram > Example. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise mechanisms, labelled diagrams, named species, conservation links.

  • Asexual: Binary fission (transverse) mechanism
  • Sexual: Conjugation (exchange of micronuclei)
  • Labelled diagrams for both processes
  • Distinction between macro- and micronuclei
  • Egg-laying (Monotremes): Features (e.g., cloaca, no nipples)
  • Pouched (Marsupials): Features (e.g., pouch, short gestation)
  • Aquatic (Cetaceans): Features (e.g., blubber, flippers)
  • One example taxon for each group
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Q3
50M explain Wuchereria life cycle, Porifera canal systems, human eye structure

(a) Explain habitat, habits, general features and life cycle of Wuchereria. (20 marks) (b) Describe different types of canal system found in porifera. Also mention their functions. (15 marks) (c) Draw a suitable diagram and explain the structure of human eye. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) वुचेरेरिया के आवास, स्वभाव, सामान्य विशेषताओं एवं जीवन-चक्र का वर्णन कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) पोरिफेरा में पाये जाने वाले विभिन्न प्रकार के नाल तंत्रों का वर्णन कीजिए । इनके कार्यों का भी उल्लेख कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) उपयुक्त रेखा-चित्र बनाएं एवं मनुष्य की आंख की संरचना का वर्णन कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1: Define > Structure/Mechanism > Diagram > Example. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise taxon names, labelled diagrams, clear mechanisms, specific examples.

  • Habitat: Blood lymphatics, Culex mosquito vector
  • Habits: Nocturnal periodicity, microfilaria in blood
  • General features: Nematode, male/female dimorphism, spicules
  • Life cycle: L1-L3 in mosquito, L3 infects human, adult in lymphatics
  • Ascon type: Oscula, spongocoel, porocytes
  • Solenoscon type: Radial canals, choanocytes
  • Leucon type: Incurrent/excurrent canals, spongocoel absent
  • Function: Water circulation, respiration, feeding
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Q4
50M describe Reptile origin and adaptive radiation, mammalian teeth, Herdmania

(a) Give an account of the origin as well as adaptive radiation of reptiles. (20 marks) (b) Describe general structure of a mammalian tooth. Also, classify mammalian teeth based on their shape, attachment and succession. (15 marks) (c) Describe habitat, habits and general features of Herdmania. Write a note on its development. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) सरीसृपों के उद्भव के साथ साथ उनके अनुकूली विकिरण के बारे में एक विवरण दीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) स्तनधारियों के दांत की सामान्य संरचना का वर्णन कीजिए । आकार, लगाव (अटैचमेंट) एवं उत्तराधिकार के आधार पर स्तनधारियों के दांतों का वर्गीकरण भी कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) हर्डमेनिया के आवास, स्वभाव एवं सामान्य विशेषताओं का वर्णन कीजिए । इसके परिवर्धन पर एक टिप्पणी भी लिखिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1: Define > Structure/Mechanism > Diagram > Example. (a) account for: state the phenomenon > the causes in order of weight > conclusion | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise taxonomic names, labelled diagrams, and clear mechanistic explanations for all parts.

  • Origin from Carboniferous/Permian amphibian ancestors
  • Key synapomorphies: amniotic egg, scaly skin
  • Adaptive radiation into distinct orders (Squamata, Testudines, etc.)
  • Ecological diversification (terrestrial, aquatic, aerial)
  • Labelled diagram of tooth structure (crown, root, enamel, dentine)
  • Classification by shape: incisors, canines, premolars, molars
  • Classification by attachment: thecodont
  • Classification by succession: diphyodont
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B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory write short notes Ecology, biostatistics, molecular biology, animal behaviour, human genetics

Write short notes on each of the following in about 150 words: (a) What are ecotones? Explain by giving examples. Also write a note on 'edge effect'. (10 marks) (b) Comment on 'measures of central tendency of data'. (10 marks) (c) Describe principle, working mechanism and applications of gel electrophoresis. (10 marks) (d) 'Conditioned learning' in animals. (10 marks) (e) Klinefelter's syndrome and Turner's syndrome in humans. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में टिप्पणी लिखिए : (a) संक्रामिका (इकोटोन) क्या है ? उदाहरणों सहित इनका वर्णन कीजिए । 'कोर प्रभाव' पर एक टिप्पणी भी लिखिए । (10 अंक) (b) 'डेटा की केंद्रीय प्रवृत्ति के उपाय', टिप्पणी कीजिए । (10 अंक) (c) जेल वैद्युत्कणसंचलन के सिद्धांत, कार्य तंत्र एवं अनुप्रयोगों का वर्णन कीजिए । (10 अंक) (d) प्राणियों में 'प्रानुकूली सीखना (कंडीशन्ड लर्निंग)' । (10 अंक) (e) मनुष्यों में क्लाइनफेल्टर्स सल्लक्षण एवं टर्नर्स सल्लक्षण । (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Precise definitions, specific examples, and clear mechanisms for all parts.

  • Definition of ecotone as a transition zone
  • Specific examples (e.g., forest-grassland, marine-terrestrial)
  • Explanation of 'edge effect' (increased diversity)
  • Mention of higher species richness at boundaries
  • Definition of Mean, Median, and Mode
  • Explanation of when each is used (e.g., skewed data)
  • Comparison of the three measures
  • Mention of sensitivity to outliers
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Q6
50M describe Primate social behaviour, environmental pollution, biostatistics

(a) Describe various types of social groupings in primates. Write a note on importance of social grouping. (20 marks) (b) (i) Differentiate between primary and secondary pollutants. (5 marks) (ii) Explain primary and secondary treatment of waste water. (10 marks) (c) What is Chi-square analysis? Explain its applications in biology. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) प्राइमेट्स में विभिन्न प्रकार के सामाजिक समूहों का वर्णन कीजिए । सामाजिक समूह के महत्व पर टिप्पणी भी लिखिए । (20 अंक) (b) (i) मुख्य एवं द्वितीयक प्रदूषकों में अंतर बताएं । (5 अंक) (ii) अपशिष्ट जल के मुख्य एवं द्वितीयक उपचार का वर्णन कीजिए । (10 अंक) (c) काइ-स्क्वेयर विश्लेषण क्या है ? जीव विज्ञान में इसके अनुप्रयोगों का वर्णन कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1: Define > Structure/Mechanism > Diagram > Example. (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b(i)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b(ii)) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise definitions, specific examples, clear mechanisms, and accurate applications.

  • Define social grouping in primates
  • Describe 3-4 types (e.g., one-male, multi-male, multi-female)
  • Provide specific primate examples for each type
  • Explain importance (protection, foraging, mating)
  • Define primary pollutants (direct emission)
  • Define secondary pollutants (formed in atmosphere)
  • Give examples of each (e.g., SO2 vs Smog)
  • Define primary treatment (physical removal)
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Q7
50M explain Biodiversity conservation, animal learning behaviour, PCR technique

(a) What is meant by biodiversity? Explain various means of in situ conservation of biodiversity. (20 marks) (b) Describe two basic laws of learning. Explain habituation, trial and error learning and latent learning in animals. (15 marks) (c) Write principle, working mechanism and uses of PCR. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) जैव विविधता से क्या अभिप्राय है ? विभिन्न तरीकों द्वारा अपनी प्राकृतिक स्थिति में (इन-सीटू) जैव विविधता के संरक्षण का वर्णन कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) सीखने के दो बुनियादी नियमों का वर्णन कीजिए । प्राणियों में आदी होना (हैबिटुएशन), जाँच और भूल (ट्रायल एण्ड एरर) द्वारा सीखना एवं अव्यक्त (लेटेन्ट) सीखने का वर्णन कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) पी. सी. आर. के सिद्धान्त, कार्य तन्त्र एवं उपयोग के बारे में लिखिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology, Paper 1. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise definitions, clear mechanisms, specific examples, and correct terminology throughout.

  • Define biodiversity (genetic, species, ecosystem)
  • Define in situ conservation
  • Explain National Parks and Sanctuaries
  • Explain Biosphere Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries
  • State two basic laws of learning (e.g., Thorndike)
  • Define and explain habituation
  • Define and explain trial and error learning
  • Define and explain latent learning
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Q8
50M describe Tuberculosis, nitrogen fixation, gene therapy

(a) Mention the causative agent and means of spread of tuberculosis. Also describe symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures of tuberculosis. (20 marks) (b) Explain biological, non-biological and industrial fixation of nitrogen. (15 marks) (c) What is gene therapy? Citing suitable examples explain germline and types of somatic cell gene therapy. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) यक्ष्मा (ट्यूबरक्यूलोसिस) के कारक प्रतिनिधि एवं फैलाव के तरीकों का उल्लेख कीजिए । यक्ष्मा के लक्षणों, निदान, इलाज एवं निवारक उपायों का भी वर्णन कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) नाइट्रोजन के जैविक, अजैविक एवं औद्योगिक स्थिरीकरण का वर्णन कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) जीन चिकित्सा क्या है ? उपयुक्त उदाहरण देते हुए जनन वंशक्रम एवं विभिन्न प्रकार की कार्यिक कोशिका जीन चिकित्सा का वर्णन कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise scientific terminology, clear mechanisms, and specific examples for all parts.

  • Identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis as causative agent
  • Explain airborne spread via respiratory droplets
  • List clinical symptoms (cough, fever, weight loss)
  • Detail DOTS treatment and BCG vaccination
  • Explain biological fixation by Rhizobium or Azotobacter
  • Describe non-biological fixation via lightning or heat
  • Detail industrial fixation via Haber-Bosch process
  • Mention the role of nitrogenase enzyme
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