Definition

A type of relationship between two different species where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Example

In the ocean, barnacles often exhibit commensalism by attaching themselves to whales, gaining mobility and access to food without affecting the whale.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about commensalism in nature?

Yeah, I think it’s when one organism benefits while the other isn’t affected, right?

Exactly! Like how barnacles attach to whales without harming them.

That’s a cool example! Nature has so many interesting relationships.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Commensalism → It is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "mensa" (meaning table). The word describes a relationship where two organisms share a table or resources together, typically where one benefits without harming the other.

Memory Tip

Think of two organisms sharing a 'table' ('mensa') together, where one benefits while the other is not affected — that's the essence of commensalism.

Visually Confused Words