Molecular Taxonomy is the classification of organisms on the basis of the distribution and composition of chemical substances in them. Molecular techniques in the field of biology have helped to establish genetic relationship between the members of different taxonomic categories . DNA and protein sequencing, immunological methods, DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridization methods are more informative in the study of different species. The data obtained from such studies are used to construct phylogenetic trees. Fitch and Margoliash ,(1967) made first phylogenetic tree based on molecular data .This tree was so close to the already established phylogenetic trees of the vertebrates that the taxonomists realized significance of molecular data and this made them understand that other traditional methods are although important but molecular evidences could be final or confirmatory evidences.
International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
1. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN or ICZN Code) is a widely accepted convention in zoology that rules the formal scientific naming of organisms treated as animals. The rules principally regulate:
2. How names are correctly established in the frame of bionomial nomenclature
3. Which name must be used in case of name conflicts
4. How scientific literature must cite names
Zoological nomenclature is independent of other systems of nomenclature, for
example botanical nomenclature This implies that animals can have the same
generic names as plants.The rules and recommendations have one fundamental aim: to provide the maximum universality and continuity in the naming of all animals, except
where taxonomic judgment dictates otherwise. The Code is meant to guide
only the nomenclature of animals, while leaving zoologists freedom inclassifying new taxa. In other words, whether a species itself is or is not a recognized entity is as objective decision, but what name should be applied to it is not. The Code applies only to the latter, not to the former. A new animal name published without adherence to the Code may be deemed simply “unavailable” if it fails to meet certain criteria, or fall entirely out of the province of science . The rules in the Code determine what names are valid for any taxon in the family group, genus group, and species group. It has additional (but more limited) provisions on names in higher ranks. The Code recognizes no case law. Any dispute is decided first by applying the Code directly, and not by reference to precedent. The Code is also retroactive or retrospective which means that previous editions of the Code, or previous other rules and conventions have no force any more today and the nomenclatural acts published ‘back in the old times’ must be evaluated only under the present edition of the Code. In cases of disputes concerning the interpretation, the usual procedure is to consult the French Code,lastly a case can be brought to the Commission who has the right to publish a
final decision.
Zoology Learning Point 