commensalism

(noun)

A sharing of the same environment by two organisms where one species benefits and the other is unaffected; e.g., barnacles on whales.

Related Terms

  • mutualism
  • parasitism

Examples of commensalism in the following topics:

  • Symbiosis

    • Commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism are three symbiotic ways organisms interact with each other with differing degrees of benefit.
    • Birds nesting in trees provide an example of a commensal relationship.
    • This is an example of a commensal relationship, in which one species (the bird) benefits, while the other (the tree) neither benefits nor is harmed.
  • Amoebozoa and Opisthokonta

    • They include genera that are internal parasites or commensals of animals (Entamoeba and Endolimax).
  • Phylum Annelida

    • Animals in this phylum show parasitic and commensal symbioses with other species in their habitat.
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