- Taxonomists have established several “codes” for scientific nomenclature.
- These codes are universal and are periodically updated by consensus.
- Scientists in the mid-1800s agreed upon an expanded nomenclature system.
The following codes are used today:
- International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants
- International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
- International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes
- International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants
- International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature
- International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses
International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants
It is the set of guidelines and recommendations that control the scientific naming of all organisms previously categorized as algae, fungi, or plants, whether they are fossil or non-fossil. This includes blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), chytrids, oomycetes, slime molds, and photosynthetic protists along with their taxonomically related non-photosynthetic groups (but excluding Microsporidia).
International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
The ICZN produces and disseminates information on how to correctly use the scientific names of animals, serving as an advisor and arbiter for the zoological community.
The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, a set of guidelines for animal naming and the solution of nomenclatural issues, is established by the ICZN.
International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes, comprising eubacteria and archaebacteria or archaea, are classified according to the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP) and the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria.
International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants
The ICNCP is a manual for naming cultigens, or plants whose origin or selection is primarily attributable to deliberate human action.
Grexes, Groupings (cultivar groups), and Cultigens all fall under the scope of the ICNCP.
It includes all species that are typically classified as plants, including fungi and alga.
Taxa that are given names under the ICNCP will also be included in the taxa named under the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants.
International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature
It consists of definitions, principles, articles, recommendations, and a guide to the correct formation of names of syntax based on the names of plant species.
International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses
ICTV is a committee of the Virology Division of the International Union of Microbiological Societies.
The Statutes define the objectives of the ICTV are:
- Develop an internationally agreed taxonomy for viruses and other mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that are part of the virosphere.
- Develop internationally agreed names for virus taxa.
- Communicate taxonomic decisions to the international community of virologists.
- Maintain an Index of agreed names of virus taxa.