International Code of Zoological Nomenclature

International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, also known as the Code, is an Authoritative document containing a system of rules and recommendations to be followed in giving a scientific name to an animal or animal group. Adopted by the International Congresses (qv) of Zoology (more recently the International Union of Biological Sciences) and Administered by the International Commission (qv) on Zoological Nomenclature. The most recent version of the Code is the Fourth Edition published in September 1999 and taking effect on January 1st 2000.