A commensal relationship refers to a type of interaction between two different species where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. In the case of mandrills and jaguars, this relationship can be seen in the context of their habitats and behaviors.
Mandrills are primarily fruit-eating primates that inhabit the forests of Central Africa, while jaguars are apex predators that also reside in these regions. In a commensal relationship, mandrills may benefit from the presence of jaguars because the latter can influence the population dynamics of other species, particularly smaller herbivores that compete with mandrills for food resources. By keeping these populations in check, jaguars can help ensure that there is enough fruit and foliage available for mandrills.
Additionally, jaguars might scare away other potential threats to mandrills, thus providing an indirect form of protection. However, it is crucial to note that mandrills do not rely on jaguars for survival or well-being; rather, they coexist in the same environment where both species interact in ways that can benefit mandrills without affecting jaguars negatively.