Effects of metamorphosis and common pollutants on telomere length in the European green toad (Bufotes viridis)

We investigated the telomere dynamics of the European green toad (Bufotes viridis) from larval stage, during metamorphosis until juvenile stage, in controlled conditions and in water contaminated with different levels of herbicides (glyphosate and terbuthylazine) or copper. We found an increase in metamorphs’ telomere length in all treatment groups and a correlation between tadpole telomere length and telomere length in later development stages, only in control animals. Medium copper had a negative effect on telomere length in later development stages and higher terbuthylazine concentrations led to an accelerated telomere lengthening in metamorphs. Data file shows animal ID, developmental state, sampling date, experimental treatment (type and concentration), weight, relative telomere length (RTL), information about the location of the experimental unit in the setup (row, place and binder), length [cm], mass [g], time until DNA extraction, qPCR run ID.