ZOOLOGY: ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY (ZOOIDC-151)

FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025 | 2nd Semester Full Marks: 50 | Pass Marks: 20 | Time: 3 Hours

UNIT-I

Question 1 (Answer any four) 1 x 4 = 4 Marks

(a) What is pandemic?

A pandemic is an epidemic of an infectious disease that has spread across a large region, typically multiple continents or worldwide, affecting a substantial number of people.

(b) What is epidemic?

An epidemic is the rapid spread of a disease to a large number of people in a given population within a short period of time.

(c) What is disease outbreak?

A disease outbreak is a sudden rise in the number of cases of a disease in a particular place or time period.

(d) What is a parasite?

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.

(e) What is endemic?

Endemic refers to a disease or condition regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.

Question 2 (Answer any one) 2 Marks

Option A: (a) What is zoonotic disease? Give example.

A zoonotic disease is an infectious disease that has jumped from a non-human animal to humans. Example: Rabies, COVID-19, or Ebola.

Option B: (b) What are communicable diseases? Give examples.

Communicable diseases are illnesses caused by specific infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites) that can be transmitted from one person to another. Examples: Tuberculosis, Influenza, and Malaria.

Question 3 (Answer any one) 8 Marks

Option A: (a) What are non-communicable diseases? Give examples. Mention the preventive measures of non-communicable diseases.

Definition: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions or diseases that are not infectious and cannot be passed from person to person. They are typically of long duration and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.

Examples: Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases (Heart attacks/Stroke), Chronic respiratory diseases (Asthma), and Cancer.

Preventive Measures:

  • Adopting a healthy diet low in processed sugars, salts, and saturated fats.
  • Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight.
  • Avoiding tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption.
  • Regular health screenings for early detection of blood pressure or blood sugar issues.
  • Reducing exposure to environmental pollutants.
Option B: (b) Write the significant features of epidemic. Add a note on the control measures of epidemic.

Significant Features:

  • Occurs in excess of normal expectancy in a specific community or region.
  • Rapid onset and spread within a susceptible population.
  • Usually limited to a specific geographic area but can expand if not contained.

Control Measures:

  • Surveillance: Monitoring and reporting new cases immediately.
  • Isolation and Quarantine: Separating infected individuals and restricting the movement of those exposed.
  • Vaccination: Mass immunization programs to build herd immunity.
  • Public Education: Spreading awareness about hygiene and preventive behaviors.
  • Environmental Sanitation: Disinfecting public spaces and improving water/air quality.

UNIT-II

Question 4 (Answer any four) 1 x 4 = 4 Marks

(a) Write the scientific name of honeybee of India.
Apis cerana indica.

(b) Name the food plant of Muga silkworm.
Som (Persea bombycina) and Soalu (Litsea polyantha).

(c) What is sericulture?
Sericulture is the commercial rearing of silkworms for the production of silk.

(d) Write the scientific name of lac insect.
Kerria lacca.

(e) Write one use of honey.
Used as a natural sweetener and as a medicine for treating coughs and wounds due to its antibacterial properties.

Question 5 (Answer any one) 2 Marks

Option A: (a) Write a brief note on bee-dance.

Bee-dance is a sophisticated communication system used by honeybees to inform nestmates about the direction and distance of food sources. It includes the Round dance (for short distances) and the Waggle dance (for long distances).

Option B: (b) Mention the uses of lac.

Lac is used in the manufacture of bangles, polishes, varnishes, sealing wax, and in the electrical industry as an insulating material.

Question 6 (Answer any one) 8 Marks

Option A: (a) Mention the life cycle of silkworm with illustration. Add a note on the importance of silkworm.

Life Cycle: The life cycle of a silkworm (e.g., Bombyx mori) consists of four stages: Egg -> Larva (Caterpillar) -> Pupa (inside Cocoon) -> Adult (Moth).

Importance: Silkworms are the primary source of natural silk, a highly valued textile fiber. Sericulture provides employment to millions in rural areas and contributes significantly to the economy through silk exports.

Option B: (b) Discuss the culture of lac for commercial production in detail. Add a note on shellac.

Lac Culture: Lac culture involves the inoculation of host plants (like Kusum, Ber, or Palas) with brood lac. The larvae settle on twigs and secrete resin (lac) for protection. Harvesting is done by scraping the encrustations from the twigs.

Shellac: Shellac is a refined form of lac, obtained by purifying seed lac. It is widely used as a food glaze, wood finish, and in pharmaceutical coatings.

UNIT-III

Question 7 (Answer any four) 1 x 4 = 4 Marks

(a) Name one minor carp.
Labeo bata.

(b) What is IMC?
Indian Major Carp (e.g., Rohu, Catla, Mrigal).

(c) Write the scientific name of common carp.
Cyprinus carpio.

(d) Name two catfishes.
Clarias batrachus (Magur) and Heteropneustes fossilis (Singhi).

(e) What are commercial fishes? Give example.
Commercial fishes are species harvested for profit or food. Example: Rohu (Labeo rohita).

Question 9 (Answer any one) 8 Marks

Option A: (a) Write in detail about the construction and management of ponds for fish culture.

Pond Construction: Ponds should be located in areas with good clayey soil to retain water. Different types of ponds must be constructed: Nursery ponds, Rearing ponds, and Stocking ponds.

Management: Includes liming to maintain pH, manuring to promote plankton growth, and regular monitoring of water quality and dissolved oxygen levels.

Option B: (b) Write short notes on: (i) Composite fish culture, (ii) Ornamental fishes.

(i) Composite fish culture: A polyculture system where different species of fish (e.g., Catla, Rohu, Mrigal) are reared together in a single pond because they occupy different ecological niches and have different feeding habits, maximizing yield.

(ii) Ornamental fishes: These are attractive fishes kept in aquariums for aesthetic purposes. Assam is rich in indigenous ornamental fishes like Channa bleheri.

UNIT-IV

Question 10 (Answer any four) 1 x 4 = 4 Marks

(a) What is animal husbandry?
The branch of agriculture concerned with the care, breeding, and management of livestock.

(b) Name few livestock organisms of Assam.
Cattle, Buffalo, Pigs, and Goats.

(c) Name a common cattle disease.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) or Anthrax.

(d) What do you mean by vaccination schedule?
A series of vaccinations given at specific times to livestock to prevent infectious diseases.

Question 12 (Answer any one) 8 Marks

Option A: (a) Write about the animal husbandry with reference to cattle and buffalo population. Add a note on the food produced from these population.

Cattle and Buffalo Husbandry: Involves selective breeding for high milk yield and draught power. Proper housing, nutrition (green fodder/concentrates), and veterinary care are essential for productivity.

Food Produced: Primary products include milk, butter, ghee, and cheese. In some cultures, meat (beef/buff) is also a significant product.

UNIT-V

Question 13 (Answer any four) 1 x 4 = 4 Marks

(a) What is poultry farming?
Rearing of domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys for meat or eggs.

(b) Name two Indian breeds of chicken.
Aseel and Kadaknath.

(c) Name one bacterial disease of poultry.
Fowl Cholera.

(d) What is bird flu?
An infectious viral disease of birds (Avian Influenza) that can sometimes spread to humans.

(e) What is 'bioethics' in animal husbandry?
The ethical study of how humans should treat animals used in farming, ensuring their welfare and preventing unnecessary suffering.

Question 15 (Answer any one) 8 Marks

Option A: (a) Describe various diseases of poultry mentioning the causes and their prevention.

Viral Diseases: Ranikhet disease (caused by virus), Bird Flu. Prevention: Vaccination and strict biosecurity.

Bacterial Diseases: Pullorum disease, Fowl Cholera. Prevention: Antibiotics (under guidance) and sanitation.

Fungal/Parasitic: Coccidiosis. Prevention: Keeping litter dry and using coccidiostats.

Option B: (b) Discuss the ethical considerations in using animals for animal husbandry practices.

Ethical considerations involve ensuring the "Five Freedoms" for animals: freedom from hunger/thirst, discomfort, pain/injury, fear/distress, and freedom to express normal behavior. It also includes debating intensive factory farming versus free-range systems and humane slaughter practices.