Young coquí frogs must balance energetic trade-offs between physical growth and fighting off a deadly fungal pathogen.
Mathematical modeling shows that frogs prioritize growth when infection is low but shift energy to immune defense as risks rise.
Seasonal timing significantly impacts survival, with those hatching in warmer months faring better than those in cooler periods.
Infection creates hidden, long-term costs, such as stunted growth and delayed maturity, which threaten overall population health.