Commensalism... What is it?


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Commensalism: is a symbiotic relationship/association between two organisms/species in which one
species/organism is benefitted by the other, and the other is neither benefitted or harmed.

The commensal (the species that benefits) obtains nutrients, shelter, support, etc. from the host. But, the host is unaffected.

There is some overlap in this relationship… for example a bee and a flower. The bee receives nutrients form the flower, but is unaffected because that is what is suppose to occur.

This is the association between two different species in which one species benefits and the other isn’t significantly affected. Commensalism does exist today, and some examples include:
  • ·       The bee and the flower
  • ·       The Monarch Butterfly and Milkweed
  • ·       Burdock Seeds on the Fur of Passing Animals
  • ·       Emperor Shrimp and Sea Cucumbers
  • ·       Decorator Crabs and Sea Sponges
Below are pictures of a couple of the examples provided in this post.


burdock seeds on the fur of passing animals
Picture from: https://sciencestruck.com/examples-of-commensalism


Picture from: https://sciencestruck.com/examples-of-commensalism

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