Dataset generated in a systematic review and meta-analysis of biological clocks as age estimation markers in animal ecology

Abstract

The dataset comprises a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the utility of biological clocks as age estimation markers in the context of animal ecology. The systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and employed optimized Boolean search strings to retrieve relevant studies from Scopus and Dimensions databases. A total of 78 methylation studies and 108 telomere studies were included after rigorous screening. Effect sizes were computed, and statistical transformations were applied when necessary, ensuring compatibility for meta-analysis. Data from these studies were meticulously collected, encompassing statistical measures, study attributes, and additional biological information. The dataset comprises several folders, carefully organized to facilitate access and understanding. It contains raw and processed data used in the systematic review and meta-analysis, including Boolean search strings, database search results, citation network analysis data, PRISMA statements, extracted study data, and input data for meta-analysis. Each folder's contents are described in detail, ensuring clarity and reusability. This dataset aggregates primary research studies spanning diverse ecosystems and taxa, providing a valuable resource for researchers, biodiversity managers and policymakers. This dataset offers a wealth of information and analysis potential for researchers studying age estimation markers in animal ecology, serving as a robust foundation for future investigations and reviews in this evolving field.

Keywords: Age determination; Animals; Biological clocks; Biomarker; Epigenetics; Meta-analysis; Methylation; Telomeres.

Fig. 1

PRISMA statement for the systematic approach used to identify studies that measured methylation in relation to age to develop methylation as a biomarker for age in animals. Two databases were searched using the indicated Boolean search strings. Initial automated screening removed duplicates and used additional key words to filter the results. Potential studies from the cleaned dataset were sought for retrieval and assessed for eligibility in Mendeley. Additional studies were identified from citation searches. Details are provided for relevant exclusion criteria used at each step. The final set of included studies were analysed by citation network analyses to facilitate the synthesis of the literature. Further details are also provided for the retrieval of model details and summary statistics from individual studies for inclusion in meta-analysis. (image edited in BioRender.com).

Fig. 2

PRISMA statement for the systematic approach used to identify studies that measured changes in telomere length in relation to age to develop telomere length as a biomarker for age in animals. Two databases were searched using the indicated Boolean search strings. Initial automated screening removed duplicates and used additional key words to filter the results. Potential studies from the cleaned dataset were sought for retrieval and assessed for eligibility in Mendeley. Additional studies were identified from citation searches. Details are provided for relevant exclusion criteria used at each step. The final set of included studies were analysed by citation network analyses to facilitate the synthesis of the literature. Further details are also provided for the retrieval of model details and summary statistics from individual studies for inclusion in meta-analysis. (Image edited in BioRender.com).

Fig. 3

Visualised citation network for methylation studies identified in database literature searches, visualised in VOSviewer in CitNetExplorer. The top panel indicates clustering analyses performed in VOSviewer, which identified four key groups, labelled 1 through 4. The bubbles indicate key authors labelled by surnames and initials with bubble size corresponding to the number of citation links with other authors. The bottom panel indicates citation network analyses of publications in CitNetExplorer, which are organized by year (2014–2023) with the name and first initial of the first author indicating individual studies. The relationship between studies by virtue of co-citations in the reference lists are indicated by grey lines. Subgroup analyses identified four key clusters, indicated according to the group colours from VOSviewer. (Image edited in BioRender.com).

Fig. 4

Visualised citation network for telomere studies identified in database literature searches, visualised in VOSviewer in CitNetExplorer. The top panel indicates clustering analyses performed in VOSviewer, which identified nine key groups, labelled 1 through 9. The bubbles indicate key authors labelled by surnames and initials with bubble size corresponding to the number of citation links with other authors. The bottom panel indicates citation network analyses of publications in CitNetExplorer, which are organized by year (2002–2023) with the name and first initial of the first author indicating individual studies. The relationship between studies by virtue of co-citations in the reference lists are indicated by grey lines. Subgroup analyses identified several key clusters, indicated according to the group colours from VOSviewer. (Image edited in BioRender.com).