Zoology

UPSC Zoology 2023 — Paper I

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Zoology 2023 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2023Year
Paper IPaper

Topics covered

General zoology topics (1)Protozoa, Annelida and Insecta (1)Platyhelminthes, Mammalian evolution and Echinodermata (1)Endocrinology, Nematoda and Porifera (1)Ecology, ethology, pathology and biostatistics (1)Biostatistics, ecology and animal behaviour (1)Applied zoology, wildlife conservation and ethology (1)Immunology, veterinary science and animal behaviour (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory write short notes General zoology topics

Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Erythrocytic schizogony (10 marks) (b) Statocyst of medusa (10 marks) (c) Evolutionary status of Onychophora (10 marks) (d) Neoteny (10 marks) (e) Migration in birds (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक पर 150 शब्दों में संक्षिप्त टिप्पणी लिखिए : (a) रक्ताण्विक विखण्डनिजन (10 अंक) (b) मेड्यूसा की संतुलन-पुटी (स्टैटोसिस्ट) (10 अंक) (c) ओनिकोफोरा की विकासवादी स्थिति (10 अंक) (d) चिरभूणता (10 अंक) (e) पक्षियों में प्रवास (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1: Define > Structure/Mechanism > Diagram > Example. (a) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (b) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (d) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (e) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance Full marks: Precise definitions, correct mechanisms, named species, labelled diagrams, clear evolutionary/functional links.

  • Define erythrocytic schizogony (blood stage)
  • Sequence: merozoite -> trophozoite -> schizont
  • Mention pigment (hemozoin) formation
  • Link to clinical symptoms (fever/chills)
  • Define statocyst as a balance organ
  • Identify statoliths (statoliths) and statocyst membrane
  • Explain mechanism of gravity detection
  • Mention location (subumbrellar margin)
Q2
50M describe Protozoa, Annelida and Insecta

(a) Define conjugation. Explain the mechanism of conjugation in Paramecium. Also give its significance. (20 marks) (b) Describe the different stages of life cycle of leech with the help of suitable diagram. (15 marks) (c) Describe the respiratory organs and mechanism of respiration in cockroach. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) संयुग्मन को परिभाषित कीजिए। पैरामीशियम में संयुग्मन की क्रियाविधि की व्याख्या कीजिए। इसका महत्व भी बताइए। (20 अंक) (b) जोंक के जीवन-चक्र की विभिन्न अवस्थाओं का उपयुक्त चित्र की सहायता से वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) तिलचट्टा (कॉक्रोच) में श्वसन अंगों और श्वसन की क्रियाविधि 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) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise definitions, stepwise mechanisms, labelled diagrams, and specific taxonomic examples.

  • Precise definition of conjugation as sexual process
  • Mechanism: Meiosis, micronucleus division, exchange of gametes
  • Mechanism: Syngamy and karyokinesis (restoration of nuclei)
  • Significance: Genetic recombination and variation
  • Egg stage (ootheca/egg case) and hatching
  • Larval stage (crawlers) and metamorphosis
  • Juvenile stage and development of suckers
  • Adult stage and reproductive cycle (oviposition)
Q3
50M explain Platyhelminthes, Mammalian evolution and Echinodermata

(a) Explain the general features, life cycle and pathogenicity of Taenia. (20 marks) (b) Give an illustrated account of origin of mammals. (15 marks) (c) Describe the perivisceral coelom and endoskeleton of Asterias. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) टीनिया के सामान्य लक्षणों, जीवन-चक्र और रोगजनकता का वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) स्तनधारियों की उत्पत्ति का सचित्र विवरण दीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) ऐस्टीरिएस के परिवर्तं प्रगुहा और अंतःकंकाल का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1: Define > Structure or mechanism > Diagram > Example taxon. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise taxon names, labelled diagrams, mechanisms explained, balanced view

  • Taenia life cycle with intermediate and definitive hosts
  • Mammalian origin with key evolutionary steps
  • Asterias perivisceral coelom structure
  • Asterias endoskeleton composition and function
  • Labelled diagrams for all parts
  • Named species and taxa
Q4
50M discuss Endocrinology, Nematoda and Porifera

(a) Draw a well-labelled diagram of adrenal gland and discuss the functions of its hormones. (20 marks) (b) Describe the general features and life cycle of Ascaris. (15 marks) (c) What are the skeletal elements of sponges? Describe the structure and types of various skeletal elements found in sponges. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) अधिवृक्क ग्रंथि का एक सुचिहित चित्र बनाइए और इसके हार्मोनों के कार्यों का वर्णन कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) ऐस्कैरिस के सामान्य लक्षणों और जीवन-चक्र का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) स्पंज के कंकाल तत्व क्या हैं? स्पंज में पाए जाने वाले विभिन्न कंकाल तत्वों की संरचना एवं प्रकारों का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Zoology Paper 1. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (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 diagrams, accurate mechanisms, and specific taxonomic details.

  • Diagram showing cortex and medulla
  • Cortical zones: zona glomerulosa, fasciculata, reticularis
  • Hormone functions: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, catecholamines
  • Mechanism of action for key hormones
  • General features: body shape, dimorphism, organ systems
  • Life cycle stages: egg, larva, adult
  • Infection route and migration path
  • Labelled diagram of life cycle

B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory write short notes Ecology, ethology, pathology and biostatistics

Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Ecological niche (10 marks) (b) Instinct behaviour in animals (10 marks) (c) Pathogenesis of cholera (10 marks) (d) Amniocentesis (10 marks) (e) Lotka-Volterra model (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक पर 150 शब्दों में संक्षिप्त टिप्पणी लिखिए : (a) पारिस्थितिक निकेत (10 अंक) (b) प्राणियों में सहज व्यवहार (10 अंक) (c) हैजा का रोगजनन (10 अंक) (d) उल्बवेधन (10 अंक) (e) लोटका-वोल्टेरा मॉडल (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Zoology Paper 1: Define > Structure/Mechanism > Diagram > Example. (a) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (b) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (d) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (e) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance Full marks: Precise definitions, specific mechanisms, named taxa, and clear examples for all parts.

  • Precise definition of ecological niche
  • Distinction between fundamental and realized niche
  • Mention of G. Evelyn Hutchinson's concept
  • One specific example of niche differentiation
  • Definition of instinct as innate/unlearned behavior
  • Description of a specific behavior (e.g., web spinning, migration)
  • Mention of fixed action pattern or trigger
  • One specific taxon example
Q6
50M explain Biostatistics, ecology and animal behaviour

(a) Define regression. Explain different methods and applications of regression analysis. (20 marks) (b) Define food chain. Describe different types of food chain with suitable examples. (15 marks) (c) Describe the phenomenon of altruism and kinship in studying animal behaviour with suitable examples. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) समाश्रयण को परिभाषित कीजिए। समाश्रयण विश्लेषण की विभिन्न विधियों और अनुप्रयोगों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) खाद्य श्रृंखला को परिभाषित कीजिए। विभिन्न प्रकार की खाद्य श्रृंखलाओं का उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) प्राणि व्यवहार के अध्ययन में परोपकारिता और नातेदारी की परिघटना का उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित 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) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Precise definitions, clear distinction of methods/types, specific biological examples, and correct application of theories.

  • Precise definition of regression analysis
  • Distinction between simple and multiple regression
  • Explanation of least squares method
  • Specific applications in biological data
  • Definition of food chain and trophic levels
  • Description of grazing food chain
  • Description of detritus food chain
  • Suitable examples for each type
Q7
50M describe Applied zoology, wildlife conservation and ethology

(a) What is lac culture? Explain the life cycle of lac insect and describe cultivation and processing of lac in India. Also add a note on its economic importance. (20 marks) (b) What is Project Tiger? Discuss the various threats and conservation strategies to protect tigers in India. (15 marks) (c) Define imprinting. Describe the mechanism of imprinting in animals with suitable examples. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) लाख (लाक्षा) संवर्धन क्या है? लाख कीट के जीवन-चक्र की व्याख्या कीजिए और भारत में लाख की खेती और प्रसंस्करण का वर्णन कीजिए। इसके आर्थिक महत्व पर एक टिप्पणी भी लिखिए। (20 अंक) (b) बाघ परियोजना (प्रोजेक्ट टाइगर) क्या है? भारत में बाघों की सुरक्षा के लिए विभिन्न खतरों और संरक्षण रणनीतियों का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) अध्यंकन को परिभाषित कीजिए। प्राणियों में अध्यंकन की क्रियाविधि का उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Zoology Paper 1. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example Full marks: Precise definitions, detailed mechanisms, specific examples, and clear structure.

  • Define lac culture and identify host trees (Shorea, Terminalia)
  • Explain life cycle: egg, nymph, adult, and lac secretion
  • Describe cultivation: stick preparation, inoculation, and harvesting
  • Detail processing: boiling, filtering, and separation of shellac/lac dye
  • Define Project Tiger and its objective (in-situ conservation)
  • List threats: poaching, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict
  • Describe strategies: Tiger Reserves, corridors, anti-poaching squads
  • Mention specific conservation tools: camera traps, GPS collaring
Q8
50M explain Immunology, veterinary science and animal behaviour

(a) What is ELISA? Explain the principle, types, procedure and applications of ELISA. (20 marks) (b) Describe the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures of livestock diseases. (15 marks) (c) Define crypsis. Explain the types and mechanism of crypsis in animals with suitable examples. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) ई० एल० आई० एस० ए० क्या है? ई० एल० आई० एस० ए० के सिद्धांत, प्रकार, प्रक्रिया और अनुप्रयोगों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) पशुधन रोगों के लक्षण, निदान, उपचार और रोकथाम के उपायों का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) गोपकता (क्रिप्सिस) को परिभाषित कीजिए। प्राणियों में गोपकता के प्रकार और क्रियाविधि का उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC 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: Comprehensive, accurate, with specific examples and clear mechanisms.

  • Definition of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Principle: Antigen-antibody binding and enzyme-substrate reaction
  • Types: Direct, Indirect, Sandwich, Competitive
  • Stepwise procedure: Coating, blocking, incubation, detection
  • Symptoms: Fever, anorexia, respiratory distress, skin lesions
  • Diagnosis: Clinical signs, serology, PCR, necropsy
  • Treatment: Antibiotics, antiparasitics, supportive care
  • Prevention: Vaccination, quarantine, biosecurity, hygiene

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