Which term describes a relationship in which one species benefits and the other is not affected?

Which term describes a relationship in which one species benefits and the other is not affected?

• A. Commenalism
• B. Parasitism
• C. Mutualism
• D. Niche

Answer: (A)

In commensalism, one species benefits while the other is unaffected. The benefiting organism gains something like transportation, protection, or access to resources, while the host is neither harmed nor helped. For example, barnacles hitch a ride on whales to reach nutrient-rich waters, and cattle egrets eat insects stirred up by grazing cattle without harming the cattle. This differs from parasitism (one benefits, the other is harmed), mutualism (both benefit), and a niche (not a relationship between two species).

In commensalism, one species benefits while the other is unaffected. The benefiting organism gains something like transportation, protection, or access to resources, while the host is neither harmed nor helped. For example, barnacles hitch a ride on whales to reach nutrient-rich waters, and cattle egrets eat insects stirred up by grazing cattle without harming the cattle. This differs from parasitism (one benefits, the other is harmed), mutualism (both benefit), and a niche (not a relationship between two species).