Table 1 Predictions and related feeding competition modes used in this study

Within-group comparison

WGC

1. Age/sex differences in food-related agonism

Y

Y

2. Age/sex differences in travel time.

Y

Y

3. Age/sex differences in feeding time.

N

N

4. Age/sex differences in diet (i.e. leaves & buds)

P

P

Seasonal variation

WGS

5. Groups travel further during lean period.

N

N

6. Groups increase travel time during lean periods

N

N

7. Groups increase feeding time during lean period.

N

Y

8. Groups increase inter-individual distance and group spread during lean period.

N

Y

9. Groups consume more leaves during lean period.

Y

Y

Between-group comparison

WGS

10. Larger group spends more time in travelling.

Y

11. Larger group spends more time feeding.

N

12. Larger group consumes more leaves.

N

13. Larger group spreads wider than small group.

N

Between-site comparison

WGC and WGS

14. Decreased fertility in bi-female groups.

N

15. Increased infant and juvenile mortality in bi-female groups

N