Why is there a decrease in the size of fat bodies in frogs during the breeding season?

Answer 1

Producing viable eggs depends on a frog getting more energy than it needs simply to stay alive, so extra energy is needed to support egg development. The fat bodies typically provide this. As the eggs grow and mature, the fat bodies decrease in size. It appears to be healthy for the fat bodies to accumulate fat and then lose the fat over the course of a year, a necessary part of the reproductive cycle.

Answer 2

During the breeding season, male frogs use up their fat reserves to provide energy for calling and mating activities. This decrease in fat bodies allows them to allocate resources to reproduction rather than maintaining body fat. Additionally, females may prefer males with lower fat reserves as it may indicate a higher level of fitness and ability to provide for offspring.

Answer 3

The female frogs need fats to keep their eggs warm, and to store nutrients for the tadpoles =]