Science Intends to Tag All Life
Leave it to the Brits....

Scientists are to establish a giant catalogue of life - to, in effect, "barcode" every species on Earth, from tiny plankton to the mighty blue whale. Initial projects will focus on birds and fish, recording details in their genetic make-up that can be used to tell one life form from another. The initiative was launched in London at the International Conference for the Barcoding of Life. Researchers concede it will take many years to complete the task.