The document discusses the PhyloCode, an alternative nomenclatural code proposed as taxonomy increasingly relies on phylogenetic hypotheses rather than Linnaean hierarchy. It was developed in the 1990s in response to criticisms of traditional taxonomy. The PhyloCode names both species and clades rather than classifying into ranks, excludes ranks above species, and aims to change existing names as little as possible while basing stability on clades. It remains controversial and a draft, with its success depending on adoption by taxonomists.

1. PhyloCode
By: Juan Gustavo Montoya

2. O With the breakthrough of
cladistics analysis and
constructions of
phylogenetic
hypotheses, the
taxonomy built on the
Linnaean hierarchic
system became a matter
of intense discussion
and criticism.

3. O Two zoologists from USA, Kevin de
Queiroz and Jacques Gauthier, started the
discussions in the 1990's and laid the
theoretical foundation to a new
nomenclatural code for all organisms, the
PhyloCode.
O A meeting in Harvard in 1998 drew out the
lines for a PhyloCode, and a first draft was
published on the web in 2000.

4. O The PhyloCode
reflects a
philosophical shift
from naming species
and subsequently
classifying them (i.e.,
into higher taxa) to
naming both species
and clades.

5. O The main idea with the PhyloCode is that
only species and clades should have
names, and that all ranks above species
are excluded from nomenclature.
O The aim is to change current names as
little as possible and to build the stability
on clades rather than on ranks.

6. O The PhyloCode is still only a
draft, it is controversial, and has
led to a worldwide and very
interesting debate.
O Its success will depend on the
number of taxonomists that will
use it for their taxonomic work.

8. Bibliography
O http://www.ohiou.edu/phylocode/