Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two different organisms where one organism benefits while the other neither benefits nor is harmed. This interaction can be seen in various ecosystems and involves a variety of species.
In commensal relationships, the organism that benefits is called the commensal, while the other organism, which is generally unaffected, is referred to as the host. A classic example of commensalism is barnacles attaching themselves to the shell of a turtle. In this case, the barnacles gain a place to live and access to nutrient-rich waters as the turtle moves, while the turtle does not experience any significant impact from the barnacles’ presence.
This relationship can be beneficial in terms of habitat or food for the commensal organism, while the host remains indifferent to the interaction. Understanding commensalism is crucial in ecology as it highlights the complexity and interdependence of various species within an ecosystem.