What is commensalism?

Commensalism is defined as a symbiotic relationship between two species where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This form of interaction is critical in understanding ecological dynamics, as it illustrates how various species can coexist within the same habitat without direct competition or detriment to one another. An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles gain mobility to different feeding areas while the whale remains unaffected by their presence. This illustrates the unique nature of commensal relationships, highlighting the complexity of ecosystems where various interactions shape the environment.

Other options present contrasting concepts, such as mutualism, which involves both species benefiting, and competition, which indicates a struggle between organisms for limited resources. Therefore, understanding commensalism enriches our comprehension of ecological interdependencies and biodiversity.