Changes in a Number of Characteristics of Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Wigg) during Invasion into Anthropogenically Disturbed Areas of the Highlands.

Chromosome count, plant height, number of inflorescences per plant, number of seeds per inflorescence, seed weight, germination, and germination energy of plant seeds growing at altitudes of 200, 600, 1300, 2050, 2700, and 3050 m above sea level (Central Caucasus) were studied. The studies were conducted in 2013, 2014, and 2018 at the same sampling points. Chromosome counts were determined by the cytogenetic method. In the T. officinale species, highly polyploid specimens predominate in populations when invading anthropogenically disturbed territories of the highlands. Polyploid plants are larger in size compared to their low ploidy predecessors, but in high-altitude, selection is aimed at preserving smaller phenotypes. The increase in seed mass characteristic of polyploid plants was supported by natural selection and in conditions of highlands. Germination and germination energy did not change with the increase in altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]