Fatter or stronger: Resource allocation strategy and the underlying metabolic mechanisms in amphibian tadpoles

The allocation of resources between storage and somatic growth is an essential physiological phenomenon in animals. Allocation mechanisms have broad theoretical applied implications. real-time resource patterns animals remain to be elucidated, there limited understanding the metabolic mechanisms. We investigated strategy Rana omeimontis tadpoles. Their ontogenetic fat accumulation began when body weight increased 30–50 mg, at which time had a high priority allocation. Beyond this range, accelerated but investment was maintained, resulting positive correlation index population level. This pattern could explained by assuming relationship abundance investment, supported prioritized increment tadpoles were provided with food. At level, hepatic accompanied upregulated utilization storage, presented lipid-based energy metabolism. Activating mobilization promoted growth. In short, liver like reservoir valves that regulate flow for downstream developmental processes. These results provide novel mechanistic insights into