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Comparative syntheses of key demographic parameters are critical not only for identifying data gaps, but also for evaluating sources of heterogeneity among estimates. Because demographic studies frequently exhibit heterogeneity, evaluating sources of heterogeneity among estimates can inform biological patterns and conservation actions more broadly. To better understand adult survival in marine turtles and avoid drawing inaccurate conclusions from current estimates, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to test how heterogeneity among estimates was partitioned among phylogenetic, biogeographic and methodological factors. Fifty-nine studies from five marine turtle species met the minimum selection criteria for inclusion in our meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among survival estimates was first partitioned between differences in ocean basin (Indo-Pacific versus Atlantic), then by differences among family/tribe within the Indo-Pacific (Chelonini versus Carettini and Dermochelidae). However, apparent differences attributed to biogeography (ocean basin effect) and phylogeny (family/tribe effect) were highly correlated with methodological differences in tag type, model type, habitat type and study duration, thereby confounding biological interpretations and complicating efforts to use many current survival estimates in population assessments. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating sources of heterogeneity when interpreting patterns among similar demographic studies and directly inform efforts to identify research priorities for marine turtles globally.