What is the ICZN (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature)?
ICZN, or the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, is responsible for assigning unique scientific names to animals in keeping with existing international taxonomic standards. Taxonomy is an ordered system of classification that indicates natural relationships between organisms. ICZN is not involved in structuring taxonomy, but will address taxonomical issues that arise that would impact nomenclature. However, ICZN’s real task is simply to assign names based on a relationship, if any, to the kinds and groups of existing animals listed in a taxonomic classification. Proper naming is vital to many branches of science including zoology, veterinary science, geology, paleontology, and more; making ICZNs work more formidable and vital than it might first appear. ICZN is responsible for publishing the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, which lays out universally accepted rules for assigning names to animals. ICZN also rules on problems that arise relating to nomencla
