Epigenetic age estimation of cetaceans

Abstract

Age is an important biological parameter which can be used to guide conservation. It is difficult to assess in wild populations, however, and especially in many cetacean species. Epigenetic analyses now offer an alternative for age estimation. In this thesis, I identified the benefits and considerations of epigenetic age estimators for cetaceans, developed a novel high-throughput sequencing workflow for homology-based epigenetic analyses, and successfully built age estimation assays for both sperm and Southern right whales.