International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, 4th edition

Abstract:

" This document presents the fourth edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, the rule system governing the scientific names of animals. Its central purpose is to promote stability, universality, and clarity in zoological nomenclature while preserving taxonomists’ freedom to interpret animal diversity. Rather than reporting an experimental study, the work summarizes the outcome of a lengthy international revision process that involved consultations with zoologists, editorial committees, and the International Union of Biological Sciences. The main results are a clarified and updated Code that superseded previous editions from 1 January 2000. Important changes include stricter requirements for making new names available, especially the need to explicitly indicate new names, designate name-bearing types for new species-group taxa, and identify the collections where preserved types are deposited. The Code also addresses publication standards, excluding electronically distributed text and illustrations from formal nomenclatural publication under this edition, while allowing certain durable non-paper formats under specified conditions. It introduces mechanisms to protect prevailing usage, reduce unnecessary referrals to the Commission, and permit Lists of Available Names in major taxonomic fields. Examples involving names such as Ornithoptera priamus illustrate how nomenclatural rules operate in practice. "