Cytotaxonomy:
a branch of taxonomy in which characteristics of cellular structures,particularly of  somatic chromosomes,are used to classify the animals.
Karyotaxonomy
Classification in Karyotaxonomy is based upon the number and the structure of chromosomes.


Main difference to remember is in cyto structure of chromosomes and in karyo no of chromosomes.

Cyto Taxonomy:

Cyto taxonomy is a branch of taxonomy that classifies organisms based on their cell structure, particularly the number, size, and shape of chromosomes. It focuses on the study of cytology, which involves the examination of cells and their components. This approach helps in understanding the genetic makeup and evolutionary relationships of different organisms.

Karyo Taxonomy:

Karyo taxonomy, on the other hand, is a branch of taxonomy that classifies organisms based on their karyotypes. A karyotype refers to the number, size, and shape of chromosomes present in the nucleus of a cell. Karyotyping involves the analysis of chromosomes, their banding patterns, and various structural abnormalities. It provides valuable information about an organism's genetic composition and evolutionary relationships.

Differences:

1. Focus: Cyto taxonomy primarily focuses on the study of cells and their structures, whereas karyo taxonomy focuses specifically on the study of chromosomes and their characteristics.

2. Methodology: Cyto taxonomy involves the examination of cells using various techniques, such as microscopy, staining, and cell culture. Karyo taxonomy, on the other hand, involves the analysis of chromosomes through techniques like karyotyping, chromosome banding, and molecular cytogenetics.

3. Information Obtained: Cyto taxonomy provides information about the cellular characteristics, including cell size, shape, and organelles, as well as the number and structure of chromosomes. Karyo taxonomy provides more specific information about the number, size, and structure of chromosomes, including the presence of specific chromosomal aberrations or rearrangements.

4. Applications: Cyto taxonomy is useful in identifying and classifying organisms, determining their genetic relationships, and understanding their evolutionary history. It is particularly relevant in plant taxonomy, helping to differentiate between closely related species. Karyo taxonomy is also used in species identification and classification, but it is more commonly applied in the field of human genetics to diagnose chromosomal disorders and study population genetics.

5. Level of Study: Cyto taxonomy focuses on the cellular level of organization, studying the characteristics of individual cells. Karyo taxonomy zooms in further and specifically examines the genetic material within cells, namely the chromosomes.

In summary, while both cyto taxonomy and karyo taxonomy involve the study of cells and chromosomes, they differ in their focus, methodology, information obtained, applications, and level of study. Cyto taxonomy looks at overall cellular characteristics, while karyo taxonomy delves deeper into the specific features of chromosomes. Both approaches contribute to our understanding of the diversity and relationships among organisms.