
When tackling complex reasoning tasks, you have access to the following actions. Use them as needed to progress through your thought process.

[ASSESS]

[ADVANCE]

[VERIFY]

[SIMPLIFY]

[SYNTHESIZE]

[PIVOT]

[OUTPUT]

You should strictly follow the format below:

[ACTION NAME]

# Your action step 1

# Your action step 2

# Your action step 3

...

Next action: [NEXT ACTION NAME]


system
Given an ellipse $\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1$ ($a > b > 0$) with a focal distance of $2\sqrt{3}$, the line $l_1: y = kx$ ($k \neq 0$) intersects the ellipse at points A and B. A line $l_2$ passing through point B with a slope of $\frac{1}{4}k$ intersects the ellipse at another point D, and $AD \perp AB$.
1. Find the equation of the ellipse.
2. Suppose the line $l_2$ intersects the x-axis and y-axis at points M and N, respectively. Find the maximum value of the area of $\triangle OMN$.

Present the answer in LaTex format: \boxed{Your answer}
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