##  [Principle of Allocation](/principle-allocation) 

  ##  [Principle of Allocation](https://natural.quantumdictionary.io/principle-allocation-0) 

  

 [![Natural & Formal Sciences Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Natural%20%26%20Formal%20Sciences.png.webp?itok=2kCDRVQv)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/natural-formal-sciences)



**Natural & Formal Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

An ecological and evolutionary principle stating that individuals and species have a finite pool of resources (energy, time, nutrients) that must be partitioned among competing life functions (growth, reproduction, maintenance, defence), producing trade-offs in trait expression and life-history strategies.