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

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.