Abstract
Quantifying trade-offs within populations is important in life-history
theory. However, most studies focusing on life-history trade-offs focus
on two traits and assume trade-offs to be static. Our work provides a
framework for understanding covariation among multiple traits and how
population density influences the traits. Using detailed
individual-based data for Soay sheep, we find density strongly shapes
life-history trade-offs and distribution of lifetime reproductive
success (LRS). At low density, a trade-off between juvenile survival and
growth structures life-history variation whereas at equilibrium density
(K), trade-off between reproduction and juvenile survival is the major
structuring axes. Contrary to Lomnicki’s prediction, we find the
distribution of LRS is highly constrained at K, with mothers of adult
sizes contributing the most to reproduction. Our results offer insights
into how high density limits diversity of individual life-histories,
advance an understanding of dynamic nature of trade-offs and have
implications for evolution via density-dependent selection.