Here are all 174 Genetics and Animal Breeding questions asked in UPSC Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 10 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
5.1] Classical genetics
22 questions
Which are the processes preventing random assortment of genes to gametes? Describe them. [2025/10m/150w/5b]
Differentiate between the following: (i) Quantitative and qualitative traits (ii) Sex limited and sex influenced characters (iii) Production and reproductive traits (iv) Anoestrus and repeat breeding. [2024/20m/7b]
What is idealized animal population? Describe the chromosomal theory of sex determination in animals. [2023/15m/4c]
Explain the law of independent assortment with suitable example. [2021/10m/150w/5e]
What are sex linked genes? How their mode of inheritance differ from the autosomes? [2021/15m/7c]
Illustrate the inheritance of sex-limited characters in cattle and poultry. [2020/10m/150w/5a]
Differentiate between mitosis and meiosis. [2020/10m/150w/5c]
Discuss about modified Mendelian ratio in monohybrid cross with examples. [2018/10m/150w/5b]
Explain sex-linked inheritance and sex-influenced inheritance with suitable example. [2018/20m/6a]
Enumerate the theories of sex determination and explain genic balance theory. [2018/10m/7a]
How do somatic and germ cells divide? What is the role of division processes in maintaining the phenotype of individual and its progeny? Outline the division process diagrammatically. [2016/15m/7a]
What is the molecular basis of Mendelian genetics? What are the reasons for variations in observed and in theoretical ratios of the segregating population? [2016/20m/7b]
What do you mean by segregation distortion? Explain its importance in mice. [2014/10m/5c]
Explain the law of Independent Assortment given by Mendel with suitable examples taking dihybrid cross. Describe briefly the deviations from Mendelian Genetics. [2013/15m/4c]
Sex influenced versus Sex limited traits. [2010/12m/150w/6c]
Differentiating points between mitosis and meiosis. [2005/20m/200w/5a]
Sex influenced and sex limited characters. [2004/20m/200w/5b]
Theory of Lamarckism. [2003/20m/200w/1c]
Mitosis vs. Meiosis. [2002/20m/200w/5b]
Sexlinked vs. Sexlimited traits. [2002/20m/200w/5c]
Autosexing in poultry. [2000/20m/200w/1d]
Sexing of chicks through exploitation of sex linked genes. [1998/20m/200w/5a]
5.2] Chromosomes, polymorphism and cytoplasmic inheritance
9 questions
What is meant by chromosomal aberration? Classify it. Discuss about translocation and karyotyping. [2020/15m/8a]
Write in detail about the preparation of metaphase chromosome spread through peripheral blood leucocyte culture for chromosome analysis. [2018/20m/7c]
Chromosomal aberrations. [2015/10m/150w/5a]
Phenotypic consequences of chromosomes mutation/aberrations. [2010/12m/150w/1d]
Blood groups characters in cattle. [2010/12m/150w/5f]
Cytogenetics versus Molecular genetics. [2010/12m/150w/6b]
Mosaicism and Chimerism. [2006/20m/200w/5b]
Structural chromosomal aberrations. [2004/20m/200w/5a]
Chromosomal aberrations in farm animals. [1999/20m/200w/5d]
5.3] Molecular genetics
19 questions
Describe the steps involved in the production of recombinant DNA. [2026/10m/150w/5e]
Describe molecular marker. Write in detail about different types of DNA markers alongwith their advantages and disadvantages. [2021/20m/6a]
Describe gene mutations. Give the classification of gene mutation based on its location and effect. Write the salient features of mutation. [2020/20m/7b]
Explain recombinant DNA technology along with its uses. [2019/10m/1c]
Write about the structure and functions of ribosomal RNA. [2018/10m/150w/5a]
Write about the advantages and disadvantages of DNA vaccines. [2018/10m/150w/5d]
Importance of gene mutations in farm animals. [2017/10m/150w/5a]
Production of transgenic animals. [2017/10m/150w/5b]
How is recombinant DNA technology influencing the livestock production? Explain. [2016/10m/150w/5e]
What do you understand by ‘genetic code’? Discuss the important features of genetic code. [2016/15m/7c]
Discuss the role of biotechnology in genetic improvement of dairy animals. State the steps involved in embryo transfer technology and its application. [2014/25m/3b]
Discuss the causes of spontaneous and induced mutations. What significance do they carry from the perspective of health of a herd? [2012/12m/5a]
Cytogenetics versus Molecular genetics. [2010/12m/150w/6b]
Recombinant DNA technology. [2006/20m/200w/5c]
Current status of recombinant DNA technology. [2001/20m/200w/5b]
Classify different mutagens. What are mechanisms involved in gene mutation? [2000/60m/2]
Transgenic animals. [2000/20m/200w/5c]
Gene and its structure. [1997/20m/200w/5a]
Recombinant DNA technology. [1997/20m/200w/5b]
5.4] Population genetics
26 questions
Impact of genetic drift on the conservation of endangered species. [2026/10m/150w/5a]
What do you mean by Hardy-Weinberg law of equilibrium? Describe the factors that alter this equilibrium in livestock population. [2026/15m/6b]
Illustrate the systematic process involved in changing gene and genotype frequencies of a population. [2025/15m/7b]
Differentiate between the following: (i) Quantitative and qualitative traits (ii) Sex limited and sex influenced characters (iii) Production and reproductive traits (iv) Anoestrus and repeat breeding. [2024/20m/7b]
Define gene frequency. Describe the method of estimation of gene frequency from genotypic frequency with the help of a suitable example. [2024/20m/8a]
What is idealized animal population? Describe the chromosomal theory of sex determination in animals. [2023/15m/4c]
What do you understand by Hardy-Weinberg law? Give the properties and uses of Hardy-Weinberg law. What prerequisites are necessary for the maintenance of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a population? [2020/20m/7a]
How do systematic processes affect the gene and genotypic frequency? Explain. [2018/20m/6c]
How the genetic constitution of a population can be described? Discuss the possible causes responsible for the change in genetic properties of a population. [2017/15m/6c]
Why is Hardy-Weinberg law considered as the backbone of population genetics? What are the different factors that lead to a drift from Hardy-Weinberg law? [2016/15m/8c]
Traits of economic importance. [2015/10m/150w/5b]
How qualitative traits differ from quantitative traits? Explain with examples. [2014/10m/5d]
Explain how the changes of gene frequencies under selection be calculated at different level of dominance. [2014/15m/6a]
Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative traits. Derive the formulae for explaining change of gene frequency due to immigration, recurrent mutation and selection of recessive homozygotes when there is complete dominance. [2013/20m/8b]
Genetic Drift. [2011/12m/150w/1a]
Factors affecting the altering genetic structure of population. [2010/12m/150w/5e]
Qualitative versus Quantitative traits. [2010/12m/150w/6a]
Production traits versus Reproduction traits. [2010/12m/150w/6e]
Define Hardy – Weinberg Law. List processes responsible for changes in gene frequency. Describe the changes in gene frequency under migration, mutation and selection against the recessive gene in single locus two allele cases with complete dominance. [2009/60m/6]
What do you understand by the words ‘Random Mating’ and ‘Selection’? When do we use random mating in breeding of livestock? [2007/30m/6a]
What do you understand by Hardy-Weinberg Law? Discuss different conditions to maintain Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Give a theoretical proof for Hardy-Weinberg Law. [2005/60m/6]
Qualitative and quantitative inheritance. [2004/20m/200w/5c]
Describe the effect of selection on gene frequencies. If one individual is albino out of twenty thousand and albino is a recessive trait, how many generations will it take to reduce the gene frequency to half the present value. Can genetic drift affect a change in frequency of a gene in a population? Discuss. [2003/60m/4]
Quantitative vs. Qualitative traits. [2002/20m/200w/5a]
Population versus individual. [1997/20m/200w/5c]
Hardy Weinberg Law. [1996/20m/200w/5c]
5.5] Inbreeding and effective population size
13 questions
Explain the genetic mechanism behind inbreeding depression. Why does continuous inbreeding lead to a reduction in fertility and life capacity in livestock? [2026/20m/6a]
Define inbreeding and describe the different genetic and phenotypic consequences of inbreeding. [2022/10m/150w/1e]
Describe the methods of estimating inbreeding coefficient and breeding value of animals. [2021/20m/8a]
What is the basis of computing inbreeding coefficient by coancestry? Describe the basic coancestry formulae used in estimating the inbreeding coefficient of an individual. [2017/20m/8a]
Define inbreeding coefficient and write its utility. What are the consequences of inbreeding depression in large and small herds? [2016/20m/8a]
Discuss genetic and phenotypic effects of inbreeding. [2015/15m/8b]
Explain ‘Inbreeding’. Discuss disadvantages of inbreeding. [2013/10m/5c]
“Even as inbreeding within a herd produces homozygosity, animal breeders working with productive herds consider it to be largely unfavourable from commercial perspective.” Explain the full import of the statement. [2012/20m/6a]
What is the main effect of inbreeding? Does inbreeding as such increase the frequency of recessive genes? Explain. [2010/15m/7a]
Why do breeders in general, try to avoid inbreeding? [2010/15m/7b]
Illustrate with example how the genetic effect of inbreeding by using pair of genes (‘A’ for dominant; ‘a’ for recessive allele) increases the homozygosity and decreases the heterozygosity in four generations by assuming that parent generation contains 1600 heterozygous individuals. [2010/30m/7c]
Define inbreeding. What are the consequences of inbreeding? Discuss various uses of inbreeding. [2004/60m/6]
What is inbreeding? How is coefficient of inbreeding calculated? Discuss the merits of inbreeding. How can you control inbreeding in existing artificial insemination programme? What constraints will you come across and how will you overcome those? [1998/60m/6]
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14 questions
Describe the different covariance components for resemblance between animal relatives. [2023/10m/150w/1e]
Describe the methods of estimating inbreeding coefficient and breeding value of animals. [2021/20m/8a]
Explain various sources of variation in the population. Write down the implications of variation (componentwise). [2019/15m/4b]
Write in detail about the components of variance. [2018/15m/8a]
What are two general environments in which the genes express themselves? Discuss in detail the effects of some specific environmental factors on gene expression. [2017/15m/6a]
How will you assess that a quantitative trait is affected by additive or non-additive gene action or both? Discuss the methods of selection for simultaneous improvement of multi-traits. [2017/20m/6b]
Variation is the raw material of organic evolution–Defend the statement. [2014/15m/7a]
Derive the formulae for estimation of genotypic values and breeding values in a single locus two allele case. Write the partitioning of variation and explain how the components of variance are affected by degree of dominance. [2013/20m/3a]
Discuss role of multiple measurements in animal breeding. [2013/10m/5b]
Discuss the relative contributions of genotype and environment on animal phenotype. [2012/12m/5d]
Environment and genotype interactions. [2007/20m/200w/5d]
What do you mean by ‘Variance’? Discuss in detail about the components of variance. [2007/30m/8a]
Genotype-environment interaction. [2003/20m/200w/1b]
What is variance? Discuss the sources of variance. How do the different components of variance affect our choice of breeding and selection methods? [1997/60m/6]
5.7] Breeds of livestock and poultry
9 questions
Write the characteristics of Gir and Sahiwal cattle. [2024/10m/150w/5c]
Enlist the crossbred cattle breeds developed in India and describe the types of crossbreeding. [2023/15m/8b]
Enlist the indigenous breeds of milch cattle and write in brief on their habitat and main characteristics. [2022/10m/150w/5d]
Describe the characteristics and production potential of indigenous cattle breeds. [2021/10m/6c]
Mention the salient features of any two indigenous milch breeds of cattle. [2020/10m/150w/5d]
Write about breed characteristics of Madras Red Sheep. [2018/5m/8d]
Write in short about the importance of conservation of indigenous breeds of livestock. Discuss what you know about germplasm bank. [2000/60m/6]
Name the species of animals in India which are commercially used for wool production. Describe various breeds of each such species. How will you proceed for improving a rabbit colony for wool and meat production, by using different selection and breeding methods? [1999/60m/7]
Name and describe indigenous breeds of sheep with reference to wool and mutton production. Name two exotic breeds. Suggest a suitable breeding programme using exotic breed(s) for wool production. [1998/60m/7]
5.8] Heritability, repeatability and correlations
14 questions
How can repeated measurements be used to distinguish between temporary and permanent environmental effects in livestock? [2026/15m/6c]
Describe different types of heritability based on genetic variance components. [2025/10m/6a]
Describe the different methods to estimate heritability in animals. [2025/20m/6c]
What is heritability? Explain the salient features of heritability along with its uses. [2019/15m/8b]
Write about the preliminary idea of heritability. Give different methods of estimation and write how these estimates are utilized in formation of breeding/selection plans. [2015/25m/6a]
What are the important genetic parameters? Explain the role of heritability in Animal Breeding along with its advantages. [2014/10m/5b]
Explain the following in brief: (i) In two way crossbreeding, a higher degree of heterosis is obtained in F₁ generation. (ii) Describe the estimates of heritability by full sib method along with its merits and demerits. [2014/20m/8b]
Define Heritability. Discuss any one method used for its estimation. How are the estimates useful in animal breeding? [2013/15m/2b]
Heritability estimate in the broad sense as different from heritability estimate in the narrow sense. [2010/12m/150w/1e]
What is heritability in the broad sense and heritability in the narrow sense? Give examples. [2007/30m/8b]
Discuss the methods of estimation of heritability. How does heritability differ from repeatability? Describe the method of testing preciseness of heritability. Uses of heritability may also be indicated. [2005/60m/7]
Heritability vs. Repeatability. [2003/20m/200w/5b]
Correlation vs. Regression coefficient. [2002/20m/200w/5d]
Distinguish between heritability and repeatability. What are the uses of heritability? Discuss merits and demerits of different methods of estimating heritability. [1996/60m/8]
5.9] Selection
26 questions
Give an account of individual selection, family selection and within-family selection. [2025/15m/8c]
Describe the various sire indices meant for assessing the breeding worth of bulls. [2023/10m/150w/5d]
Describe the different bases of selection of animals. [2022/15m/4b]
Describe pedigree selection along with its advantages and disadvantages. [2021/15m/8c]
How will you assess that a quantitative trait is affected by additive or non-additive gene action or both? Discuss the methods of selection for simultaneous improvement of multi-traits. [2017/20m/6b]
What is the importance of progeny testing? Compare the traditional and modern methods of progeny testing in cattle. [2016/15m/8b]
Sib selection. [2015/10m/150w/5e]
How can the efficiency of progeny testing programme be improved? [2015/10m/7c]
Selection of Breeding bulls is an important aspect in breeding. Discuss the criteria for selection. [2014/10m/1e]
Define selection. Enumerate the factors which are responsible for choosing traits for selection. Discuss in brief. [2014/15m/6c]
Discuss progeny testing. What precautions are needed for effective progeny testing programme and why? [2013/15m/7d]
“The breeding value of an animal is estimated by progeny testing.” Explain the statement. Enumerate the three principal methods used in the estimation of sires on the basis of progeny testing. [2012/20m/3b]
You are entrusted with the job of developing a herd of high-yielding Murrah buffaloes in the shortest possible time. Using your expertise in animal husbandry, discuss how you would set about fulfilling this task, while ensuring that the herd retains its desirable traits in the subsequent generations. [2012/20m/7b]
What calls for the use of information from relatives for selection of breeders? Discuss and differentiate the family selection and within family selection schemes. [2011/20m/6b]
Tandem method of selection versus Selection index. [2010/12m/150w/6f]
Dairy bull is considered as half the herd. – Justify the statement. [2010/20m/8b]
Progeny testing. [2009/20m/200w/1b]
Selection of bull for breeding purpose. [2009/20m/200w/5a]
Explain the various aids to selection and their relative merits and demerits. [2007/30m/6b]
Discuss merits and demerits of various methods of selection for livestock improvement in Indian context. [2006/60m/6]
What is progeny testing? How can it be best done for Indian buffaloes? What is the status of progeny testing of buffaloes in India? [2004/60m/7]
“Individuality tells us what an animal seems to be his pedigree tells us what he ought to be. But the performance of his progency tells us what he is.” Discuss the merits and demerits of methods of selection. Suggest as to what should be the method of selection to adopt to bring about a steady and long term improvement in productivity of indigenous dairy livestock. [2003/60m/8]
How can progress in selection be estimated prior to obtaining the progeny of the next generation? Discuss the forces that are responsible for correlated response. [2002/60m/8]
Name the species of animals in India which are commercially used for wool production. Describe various breeds of each such species. How will you proceed for improving a rabbit colony for wool and meat production, by using different selection and breeding methods? [1999/60m/7]
Restricted selected index. [1998/20m/200w/5b]
Significance of pedigree selection. [1996/20m/200w/5d]
5.10] Breeding systems
22 questions
Selection for threshold traits is often frequency-dependent. [2026/10m/150w/5b]
Recurrent selection and Reciprocal recurrent selection. [2025/10m/150w/5a]
Explain the breeding system used for pig production in India. [2024/10m/150w/5e]
Enlist the crossbred cattle breeds developed in India and describe the types of crossbreeding. [2023/15m/8b]
Differentiate general combining ability with specific combining ability. [2021/10m/150w/5d]
Describe various systems of animal breeding. Explain how grading-up differs from cross-breeding. [2020/10m/7c]
Explain the experiences of crossbreeding programme of dairy cattle in India. [2019/10m/5e]
What are combining abilities? Give diagrammatic plan for utilizing combining ability. [2015/15m/8c]
What is inbreeding? How do you produce inbred lines? How can inbred lines be exploited for commercial production? Explain. [2014/20m/7c]
Explain the following in brief: (i) In two way crossbreeding, a higher degree of heterosis is obtained in F₁ generation. (ii) Describe the estimates of heritability by full sib method along with its merits and demerits. [2014/20m/8b]
Production of synthetic population. [2011/12m/150w/5a]
Explain the circumstances wherein crossing system in animal production is used. Describe the types of crossing and compare different forms of regular crossing in terms of heterosis. [2011/40m/6a]
Genetic assortative versus Genetic disassortative mating. [2010/12m/150w/6d]
Up-grading. [2007/20m/200w/5b]
Heterosis. [2006/20m/200w/5d]
Define outbreeding. Discuss various methods of outbreeding. Which is the most suitable method of outbreeding for the large Indian cattle population? [2006/60m/7]
Breeding for heterosis in chicken. [2005/20m/200w/5b]
Discuss different methods of out breeding. What is the breeding policy for cattle being used in India? Write positive and negative points in relation to maintaining genetic diversity in cattle. [2005/60m/8]
Breed synthesis in India. [2001/20m/200w/5c]
What is heterosis and what is its genetic basis? How can heterosis be advantageously used in various methods of breeding? [1999/60m/8]
Recurrent reciprocal selection and its application in swine breeding. [1998/20m/200w/5d]
Name and describe indigenous breeds of sheep with reference to wool and mutton production. Name two exotic breeds. Suggest a suitable breeding programme using exotic breed(s) for wool production. [1998/60m/7]
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Last updated: 31 October 2026