Which symbiotic relationship is characterized by one member benefiting and the other is neither helped nor harmed?

Which symbiotic relationship is characterized by one member benefiting and the other is neither helped nor harmed?

• A. Commensalism
• B. Mutualism
• C. Parasitism
• D. Predation

Answer: (A)

One member gains a benefit while the other is not helped or harmed. In commensalism, the benefiting partner may gain transportation, habitat, or access to resources, while the other experiences no significant positive or negative effect. A classic example is barnacles attached to a whale or an epiphytic plant resting on a tree: the barnacles or plant get a place to live and access to nutrients or light, while the host is largely unaffected. This differs from mutualism, where both partners benefit; from parasitism, where the host is harmed; and from predation, where one organism kills and consumes another.

One member gains a benefit while the other is not helped or harmed. In commensalism, the benefiting partner may gain transportation, habitat, or access to resources, while the other experiences no significant positive or negative effect. A classic example is barnacles attached to a whale or an epiphytic plant resting on a tree: the barnacles or plant get a place to live and access to nutrients or light, while the host is largely unaffected. This differs from mutualism, where both partners benefit; from parasitism, where the host is harmed; and from predation, where one organism kills and consumes another.