Encyclopedia > International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) is a set of rules in zoology that have one fundamental aim: to provide the maximum universality and continuity in classifying all animals according to taxonomic judgment. The Code is meant to guide the nomenclature of animals, while leaving the zoologists some degree of freedom in naming and classifying new species.
The rules in the Code determine what names are potentially valid for any taxon including the ranks of subspecies and superfamily. Its provisions can be waived or modified in their application to a particular case when strict adherence would cause confusion. Such exceptions are not made by an individual scientist, no matter how well-respected within his or her field, but only by the Commission, acting on behalf of all zoologists. The Commission takes such action in response to proposals submitted to it.
The Code recognizes no case law. Any dispute is decided by applying the Code directly, and never by reference to precedent.
Hugh Strickland presented a Code of nomenclature to the British Association for the Advancement of Science (Charles Darwin was on its committee).
At the 17th Congress of Zoology in Monaco, responsibility for future Codes was transferred from the InternationalZoological Congresses to the International Union of Biological Sciences.
The Commission of ZoologicalNomenclature decide that an available name is never to be used as a valid name despite the fact that it might be a senior synonym or homonym.
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