Jenni M Prokkola

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1 Introduction Population density is an important factor in ecology, affecting resource availability and social interactions among conspecifics (Nislow et al. 2010; Reznick 2016). An increase in population density intensifies the intraspecific competition for resources, leading to alterations in energy homeostasis and stress levels, and subsequently impaired growth and reproductive success (Auer et al. 2012; Grossman and Simon 2020; Reznick 2016).

Abstract Intraspecific competition due to e.g., density, has substantial influence on fitness dynamics and life histories, but the underlying physiological mechanisms are often complex, and the molecular basis unclear. Further, designing laboratory experiments to measure physiological responses that reflect natural conditions is challenging.