What type of relationship is seen in commensalism?

What type of relationship is seen in commensalism?

• A. Both species benefit from the relationship.
• B. One species benefits while the other is harmed.
• C. One species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
• D. Neither species benefits from the relationship.

Answer: (C)

In commensalism, one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This type of relationship is characterized by an interaction where one organism derives some benefit, such as food, shelter, or support, from another organism, while the second organism remains unaffected by the relationship. An example of commensalism can be seen with barnacles that attach to the shell of a turtle. The barnacles benefit by gaining access to a larger habitat that helps them filter-feed, while the turtle is hardly affected by their presence. This distinguishes commensalism from other types of relationships. In mutualism, both species benefit, whereas in parasitism, one species benefits at the expense of the other, causing harm. Since commensalism specifically describes a neutral impact on one of the organisms involved, it reinforces the understanding that not all interactions in ecosystems result in benefit or harm for both parties.

In commensalism, one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This type of relationship is characterized by an interaction where one organism derives some benefit, such as food, shelter, or support, from another organism, while the second organism remains unaffected by the relationship. An example of commensalism can be seen with barnacles that attach to the shell of a turtle. The barnacles benefit by gaining access to a larger habitat that helps them filter-feed, while the turtle is hardly affected by their presence.

This distinguishes commensalism from other types of relationships. In mutualism, both species benefit, whereas in parasitism, one species benefits at the expense of the other, causing harm. Since commensalism specifically describes a neutral impact on one of the organisms involved, it reinforces the understanding that not all interactions in ecosystems result in benefit or harm for both parties.