Question

Define commensalism association along with an example.

Answer 1

Commensalism:

1. Commensalism is a relationship between individuals of two species where one species is dependent on the other for food and habitat and may or may not harm or benefit the other.
2. The species that get benefits is known as the commensal and the other from which benefits are taken is known as the host.
3. The host organism is generally unaffected by the interaction of host and commensal whereas commensal is known to show morphological benefits.

Example of commensalism:

1. An example of commensalism is the small fish remora (Echeneis naucrates) that rides attached to sharks and other fish.
2. Remora is known to feed on the leftovers of its host organisms.