Abstract: The negative density-dependent hypothesis proposed that conspecific individuals competing resource and pest infestation lead higher mortality, thereby providing space and resource for other species and promoting species coexistence, which is considered to be one of the important mechanisms for maintaining high biodiversity in tropical forests. In this work, we review the latest progress of negative density dependence in the last decade via introducing the drivers of negative density dependence among different climatic zone and the biotic and abiotic factors that influence the strength of negative density dependence. Next, we discuss the theoretical meanings by introducing the latitude patterns of negative density dependence and existing controversy. Finally, we used the bibliometric analysis to discuss the latest trends and directions of development in negative density dependence.