<P> Commensalism is a long term biological interaction ( symbiosis ) in which members of one species gain benefits while those of the other species are neither benefited nor harmed . This is in contrast with mutualism , in which both organisms benefit from each other , amensalism , where one is harmed while the other is unaffected , and parasitism , where one benefits while the other is harmed . The commensal ( the species that benefits from the association ) may obtain nutrients , shelter , support , or locomotion from the host species , which is substantially unaffected . The commensal relation is often between a larger host and a smaller commensal ; the host organism is unmodified , whereas the commensal species may show great structural adaptation consonant with its habits , as in the remoras that ride attached to sharks and other fishes . Both remora and pilot fish feed on the leftovers of their hosts ' meals . Numerous birds perch on bodies of large mammal herbivores or feed on the insects turned up by grazing mammals . </P>
<P> Commensalism is a long term biological interaction ( symbiosis ) in which members of one species gain benefits while those of the other species are neither benefited nor harmed . This is in contrast with mutualism , in which both organisms benefit from each other , amensalism , where one is harmed while the other is unaffected , and parasitism , where one benefits while the other is harmed . The commensal ( the species that benefits from the association ) may obtain nutrients , shelter , support , or locomotion from the host species , which is substantially unaffected . The commensal relation is often between a larger host and a smaller commensal ; the host organism is unmodified , whereas the commensal species may show great structural adaptation consonant with its habits , as in the remoras that ride attached to sharks and other fishes . Both remora and pilot fish feed on the leftovers of their hosts ' meals . Numerous birds perch on bodies of large mammal herbivores or feed on the insects turned up by grazing mammals . </P>
a relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected
a relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected
Commensalism
Commensalism