The XVIIIth (New) International Congress of Zoology

Le XVIIIème (Nouveau) Congrès International de Zoologie

The publication of the fourth edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature marks a few sensible changes in the way the scientific names of animals are produced and used, but much more momentous changes may be waiting ahead. Some prospective advances, such as the possible adoption of registration procedures, will be still within the scope of the traditional Linnaean nomenclature. There is a widespread perception, however, that this nomenclature will not be able to accommodate for all kinds of names required by zoologists. On one hand, the frequent use of formulae rather than Linnaean binomens, e.g. in the study of hybrids or in phylogeographic studies, shows how difficult it may be to straightjacket all living beings into the canvas of species concepts and species names. On the other hand, the formal ranks of the Linnaean classification are at odd with the principles of a consistently developed programme of phylogenetic systematics. Both kind of problems show that the future of zoological (biological) nomenclature will not be allowed to ignore the concepts, and the requirements, of evolutionary biology. In one possible scenario, Linnaean and not-Linnaean classifications may in the future exist side-by-side. Others may wish to replace the Linnaean classification altogether, but I strongly recommend instead a serious dialogue among all parties in the game. To ignore our historical heritage of million names would be not less disastrous than to ignore the conceptual limits, or pitfalls, inherent in the Linnaean nomenclature. Rules may require evolving but history teaches that viable codes follow and consolidate practice, they do not establish it from scratch.