B.Sc Zoology Lecture Notes

  ETHOLOGY AND ITS METHODS   The various aspects related with animal behavior can be studied by applying the following methods - 1. Under natural conditions. 2. Experimental Analysis 3. Statistical Analysis 1. Under Natural Conditions: - The best way of studying animal behavior is under natural conditions. Observation may be in the form of field notes, checklist of behavior patterns, tape recorders, motion pictures etc. While studying animal behavior in natural surroundings circadian rhythms and seasonal cycles are taken into consideration. 2. Experimental Analysis: - Experiments are conducted in two ways viz. Field experiment and Laboratory experiment – (A) Field Experiment: - These are performed with least disturbance to the animal. The first phase involves a thorough description of all aspects of the animal under observation. For this binocular and infrared devices are required when more than one individuals are to be observed, it is desirable to make...

Ethology Introduction: Animal behavior is a continuing source of awe and mystery that sparks the imagination of scientist and public alike. Man has always being interested in the behavior of animals that surrounds because of its own benefit and recreation and because of its own inherently inquisitive nature. The sense of wonder as always being as the root of scientific understanding. Living conditions are by no means favorable everywhere on earth and every living being is somehow adopted for maintaining itself in suitable surroundings. The actions of animals are directed towards keeping themselves alive (i.e. individual survival) and reproduction (i.e. species survival).Animal behavior is the expression of an animal afford to adopt or adjust to different internal and external conditions and can be described as an animal's response to a stimulus. Behavior can be observed right from the simplest single cell protozoa to the most intelligent and highly developed primates. Behav...

 Enzymology of Genetic Engineering In genetic engineering, three types of "Biological tools" are used in the synthesis of recombinant DNA. These include - i) Enzymes ii) Vehicle or Vector DNA. iii) Passenger DNA           Enzymology or the study of enzymes is an important aspect of genetic engineering. Enzymology is the study of enzymes and its different types used in genetic engineering for the production of different types of matter needed for human well being.           Many types of specific enzymes are employed in Genetic engineering. These include Lysing enzymes, Cleaving enzymes, synthesizing enzymes, Joining enzymes and alkaline phosphatase: 1. Lysing Enzymes : Lysing enzymes are used to open up the cells to get DNA for genetic experiments. Lysozyme is commonly used to dissolve the bacterial cell wall. 2 . Cleaving Enzymes : these are used to break DNA molecules. They ar...

Basic Concepts in Genetic Engineering Introduction:   Manipulation of gene and genetic material by man is a fast emerging branch of science that started with the formation of recombinant DNA molecules. This branch of science is named  Recombinant DNA technology, genetic engineering and DNA manipulation Biotechnology. This technology involves cutting and pasting of desired DNA fragments into the specified host for the benefit of human beings. The origin of biotechnology is as old as human civilization. As a science, it is little more than 100 years old. Fermentation is the oldest biotechnological process discovered by people by prolonged soaking of grains before cooking or by storing juices of fruits or palms. During the last two decades biotechnology has achieved the greatest advancement in the fields of Recombinant DNA technology. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) cell culture and fusion, bioprocessing, gene cloning, DNA fingerprinting, in vitro fertilization leading to a...

LAC CULTURE Lac is a natural resin of animal origin. It is secreted by an insect, known as lac-insect. In order to obtain lac, these insects are cultured and the technique is called lac-culture. It involves proper care of host plants, regular pruning of host plants, propagation, collection and processing of lac.   History and Nomenclature   Lac has been used in India from time immemorial for several purposes, from the epic of Mahabharat it has been recorded that Kauravas built a palace of lac for the destruction of Pandavas. We come across references of lac in the Atharvaveda and Mahabharata, so it can be presumed that ancient Hindus were quite familiar with lac and its uses.   Scientific study of lac started much later. In 1709 Father Tachard discovered the insect that produced lac. First of all Kerr (1782) gave the name Coccus lacca which was also agreed by Ratzeburi (1833) and Carter (1861). Later Green (1922) and Chatterjee (191...