Relating to the classification of organisms based on the structure and characteristics of their cells, especially chromosome patterns.
From 'cyto-' (cell) + 'taxonomic' (relating to classification), combining Greek 'taxis' (arrangement) and 'nomos' (law). Emerged in the mid-1900s as chromosome analysis became possible.
Cytotaxonomy revealed that plants with identical flowers can actually be completely different species based on their chromosome numbers—it's like discovering that identical-looking people are from entirely different families.
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