The Zoological Record: A Comprehensive Guide to the World's Leading Zoological Index
For scientists and researchers studying the animal kingdom, staying updated with the latest discoveries is essential. The Zoological Record (ZR) serves as a vital resource in this endeavor, acting as both an electronic index of zoological literature and the unofficial register of scientific names in zoology. By indexing approximately 90% of the world's zoological literature, it provides an unparalleled window into the history and current state of biological research.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบA Rich History of Zoological Documentation
The Origins of the Record
The journey of the Zoological Record began in 1864, spearheaded by Albert Günther and a group of zoologists associated with the British Museum and the Zoological Society. Originally titled The Record of Zoological Literature, the first volume was published in 1865 by John Van Voorst. The primary goal was to create an English-language counterpart to the German index Archiv für Naturgeschichte, but with a significant advantage: it would avoid the publication delays common in the German version.
After the initial six volumes, the publisher withdrew due to low profits. In response, concerned zoologists formed the Zoological Association, which published volumes 7 through 22 under the new name, The Zoological Record, between 1870 and 1885. By 1886, the responsibility for publication was passed to the Zoological Society.
Evolution of Publication and Ownership
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the production of the record underwent several major transitions. In 1980, the Zoological Society of London partnered with BIOSIS to co-produce the index. This collaboration was crucial, as it implemented a "catch up" program that successfully eliminated a three-year publication lag by 1988.
The ownership of the record has changed alongside the evolution of the scientific publishing industry:
- 1980–2004: Published by BIOSIS.
- 2004–2016: Published by Thomson Reuters (following the acquisition of BIOSIS by Thomson ISI).
- 2016–Present: Published by Clarivate Analytics.
While the print edition was a staple for over 150 years, it officially ceased publication in 2016. Today, the Zoological Record exists exclusively as an electronic index.
Coverage and Scientific Significance
The Evolution of Taxonomic Classification
As biological understanding has advanced, so too has the way the Zoological Record categorizes life. The index covers various phyla—the fundamental taxonomic groups used to classify animals—which have seen significant changes in name and classification over the decades. For example, while early editions focused on specific groups like Mammalia, Aves, and Reptilia, later editions expanded to include more comprehensive zoological categories and diverse groups such as Protozoa, Porifera, and various invertebrate classifications.
The Unofficial Register of Zoological Names
In the scientific community, nomenclature—the formal system of naming organisms—is critical for clear communication. Although there is no single official global repository for all zoological names, the Zoological Record has become the de facto unofficial register. Because it captures the vast majority of zoological literature, it is the primary location for the "international notification" of new scientific names.
To support this, the Index to Organism Names (ION) was developed. ION is a free, openly accessible database that serves as an index to the names published within the Zoological Record. Originally developed by BIOSIS, it has since been updated with names from additional databases like Biological Abstracts to ensure researchers have access to a robust naming registry.
Key Facts
- Total Records: Over 3,500,000 records.
- Temporal Coverage: 1864 to the present.
- Primary Function: Electronic index of zoological literature and unofficial name register.
- Current Format: Electronic only (print ended in 2016).
- Current Producer: Clarivate Analytics.
Summary of Zoological Record Metadata
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Producer | Clarivate Analytics |
| ISSN | 0144-3607 |
| Disciplines | Zoology |
| Access Model | Subscription |
| Major Providers | Clarivate, Ovid, Dialog, ProQuest, EBSCO |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Zoological Record?
The Zoological Record serves as a comprehensive electronic index of zoological literature. It also functions as the unofficial register for scientific names in zoology due to its extensive coverage of the field's literature.
Is there a print version of the Zoological Record available?
No. While the print edition was published from 1864 until 2016, the publication is now available strictly in an electronic format.
How many zoological records are contained in the index?
The index contains over 3,500,000 records, covering scientific literature dating back to 1864.
What is the Index to Organism Names (ION)?
ION is a free and freely accessible database that acts as an index to the names published within the Zoological Record, helping scientists track zoological nomenclature.
Where can I find older issues of the Zoological Record?
Issues published between 1870 and 1922 are available online through the Biodiversity Heritage Library. However, more recent issues are not available via open access in digitized image format.