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NODC Taxonomic Code Version 8.0
Entry ID: NOAA_NODC_TAXONOMIC_CODE

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Summary

Abstract: The National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) Taxonomic Code is
the largest, most flexible, and widely used of the various coding
schemes that have been developed to adapt the Linnean system of
biological nomenclature to modern methods of data storage and
retrieval. Version 8.0 contains approximately 244,000 records in
ASCII format available on a single CD-ROM.

In previous editions, the NODC Taxonomic Code was based on a
system of code numbers that reflected taxonomic relationships. The
12-digit code numbers contained information about taxonomy through the
use of 2-digit couplets to represent one or more levels of the
taxonomic hierarchy.

Version 8 of the NODC Taxonomic Code contains these numbers but
also introduces Taxonomic Serial Numbers (TSNs) that will be used in
future editions of the code. TSNs will be assigned under the
authority of the Interagency Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).
Version 8 is a transition product that contains both the original types
of codes as well as codes for the new system that will provide greater
capabilities. As a result of this transition, Version 8 will be the
last version of the code that contains the 12-digit phylogenetic code
numbers.

Data files on the CD-ROM present the Code in a number of
different ways. These files include the Code in different sort
orders, subsets, and other versions modified for special uses or
applications:

TAXNUM.DAT: The phylogenetic code in numerical order, containing
all synonyms and common names.

TAXALPHA.DAT: Taxonomic information with scientific and common names
ordered alphabetically.

TAXTRIV.DAT: The order of genus and species names is reversed
(i.e. species, genus). Same for common names consisting of more
than one word. (This file is also in alphabetical order.)

TAXHIER.DAT: Only the major levels of the taxonomic hierarchy
(Phylum, Class, Order, Family), presented in phylogenetic order.

TAXBRIEF.DAT: Records in this file are less than 80 characters in
length to facilitate viewing records on a standard display screen.

TAXPARTS: This directory contains 4 files, namely, VIRUS, MONERA,
PLANTAE, and ANIMALIA that present the data from TAXNUM.DAT broken
down by kingdom. This directory also contains 2 directories, PLANTS
and ANIMALS that contain files that break these kingdoms down by
division and phylum respectively.

NODC WWW home page
"http://www.nodc.noaa.gov"]

[This summary was adapted from the NODC Environment Information
Bulletin No. 96-3.]

The NODC Taxonomic Code is a system of numerical codes used to represent
the scientific names of organisms. The Code links the Linnaean system of
biological nomenclature to a numerical schema that facilitates modern
methods of computerized data storage and retrieval. Version 8.0 of the
NODC Taxonomic Code is designed to serve as a bridge to a new system
based on a different concept of managing biological data. Up to now, the
NODC Taxonomic Code was based on 12-digit "intelligent" code numbers. In
other words, information about taxonomy was built into the codes through
the use of 2-digit couplets to represent one or more levels of the
taxonomic hierarchy. For example, a species assigned a 10-digit code
would belong to the genus represented by the first 8 digits of the code.
The numerical hierarchy of the code numbers therefore reflected
taxonomic hierarchy as well.

Version 8.0 on CD-ROM of the NODC Taxonomic Code contains these
"intelligent" code numbers, but also introduces non-intelligent
Taxonomic Serial Numbers (TSNs) that will be used in future editions of
the NODC Taxonomic Code. Therefore, this version of the NODC Taxonomic
Code is the last version of the NODC Taxonomic Code that contains new
"intelligent" NODC code numbers for the foreseeable future. The contents
of this CD-ROM show the final state of the old code numbers however, and
they will not be deleted or modified, nor will new ones be assigned. As
new taxa are added to the file they will be assigned Taxonomic Serial
Numbers. The TSN remains with the taxon to which it was assigned, even
though the taxon itself may go in or out of synonymy or be entirely
reclassified. This system, which allows the inclusion of multiple levels
of taxonomy forms the basis of the Integrated Taxonomic Information
System (ITIS).

ITIS is a taxonomic database being developed by a partnership of Federal
agencies collaborating with systematists in the Federal, state, and
private sectors. The Code is included on the CD-ROM in different sort
orders, subsets of the code, and other versions modified for special
uses or applications.

NOAAServer Codes: [OL 0 0 0 0] ; nodateline obtain

Related URL

Link: GET DATA
Description: CD-ROm information and order page.

Link: GET DATA
Description: NOAA Server page.

Data Set Citation

Dataset Originator/Creator: NOAA/NESDIS/National Oceanographic Data Center
Dataset Title: NODC Taxonomic Code, Version 8.0 on CD-ROM
Dataset Release Date: 1996/05
Version: 1
Online Resource: www.nodc.noaa.gov

ISO Topic Category

BIOTA
OCEANS

Project

ESIP >Earth Science Information Partners Program [Information]

Use Constraints

NOAA and NODC would appreciate recognition as the resource from which
these data were obtained in any publications and/or other representations
of these data.

Keywords

TAXONOMIC CODE

IDN_NODE GSFC/NOAA/NESDIS/NODC

TAXONOMIC SYSTEM

TAXONOMY

Originating Center

NOAA/NESDIS/NODC

Data Center

National Oceanographic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce [Information]
Data Center URL: http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/

Data Center Personnel

Name: NODC USER SERVICES
Phone: 301-713-3277
Fax: 301-713-3302
Email: NODC.Services at noaa.gov
Contact Address:
National Oceanographic Data Center
User Services Branch
NOAA/NESDIS E/OC1
SSMC3, 4th Floor
1315 East-West Highway
City: Silver Spring
Province or State: MD
Postal Code: 20910-3282
Country: USA

Distribution

Distribution_Media: CD-ROM
Distribution_Format: ASCII
Fees: $75

Personnel

MELANIE F. MEAUX
Role: DIF AUTHOR
Email: gsfc-gcmduso at mail.nasa.gov

Creation and Review Dates

Last DIF Revision Date: 2007-03-06

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