Commensalism
/kəˈmensəlɪzəm/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Not Mutualism
Distinguish 'commensalism' from 'mutualism', where both species benefit.
Though often confused, commensalism is not mutualism as only one organism benefits.
Pro Tip 2/3One-way Benefit
The word emphasizes the one-sided benefit without any harm to the other party.
Commensalism offers a one-way benefit, such as a remora fish riding on a shark.
Pro Tip 3/3No Negative Impact
Understand that 'harm' implies negative impact, which does not occur in commensalism.
The whale isn't affected by the barnacles' presence; it's commensalism.
Compare with
CoexistenceCooperateHarmonyInterdependentReciprocitySymbiosisSynergy
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