What is a karyotype?

A karyotype is indeed a visual representation of an organism's chromosomes. This representation is typically arranged in a standard format, showcasing the number, size, and shape of chromosomes, which allows for the identification of chromosomal abnormalities, such as aneuploidies (where there is an abnormal number of chromosomes) or structural changes in chromosomes.

In a karyotype, chromosomes are stained to produce distinct banding patterns, which can be used to compare chromosomal compositions between individuals or species and to diagnose genetic disorders. This visual tool is fundamental in genetics, cytogenetics, and prenatal testing, as it provides critical information about an individual's genetic makeup.

The other options pertain to different scientific concepts that do not relate to the classification or visual assessment of chromosomes, thus confirming that the correct identification of a karyotype is as a visual representation of chromosomes.