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In a parasitic relationship that is a host and parasite.

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Definition: Non-mutual relationship between species. One species benefits while the other is harmed.

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Mutlalism could be also known as symbiotic relationships.

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Definition of Mutualism

Various types of relationships exist in nature between different species of organisms. These relationships are collectively referred to as symbiotic relationships, or symbiosis. One type of symbiotic relationship found in nature is called mutualism. Mutualism is a relationship between organisms in which both species involved benefit to some extent with neither species being harmed. When evaluating relationships, we must examine the species involved and see if they are both receiving benefits, such as food, shelter, protection, dispersal, or any other activity that aides in the success of the organism.

Examples of Mutualism

Many mutualistic relationships involve flowering plants and the animals that interact with them, including various species of insect, birds, and bats. In these relationships, the flowering plant provides a source of food for the animal in the form of nectar. In return, the animal provides a service by spreading the pollen of the flower from plant to plant, increasing the spread of genetic information and providing for more biological diversity. Without this mutual relationship, flowers would have to rely on other sources, such as wind, to spread the pollen. In fact, over time, many flowers have evolved distinct shapes to match their animal pollinators' bodies and entice them into the flower.

Another interesting example of mutualism can be seen in the relationship between certain species of ants and aphids, a tiny insect commonly found on plants. Aphids obtain their nutrients by sucking fluids from plant tissue. After digestion, they secrete sugars and other substances as their waste. Ants eat this sugary substance and gain vital nutrition from it. In this relationship, the aphids provide food. The ants, because they rely on the aphids for sustenance, become caretakers - the ants provide security, transport the aphids from plant to plant, and even care for aphids' eggs.

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mutualism: examples & definition - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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Mutualism: Examples & Definition - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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Various types of relationships exist in nature between different species of organisms. These relationships are collectively referred to as symbiotic relationships , or symbiosis. One type of symbiotic relationship found in nature is called mutualism. Mutualism is a relationship between organisms in which both species involved benefit to some extent with neither species being harmed.

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Definition: Beneficial to both organism.

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The main types of commensalism are
1. Chemical
2. inquilinism
3. Metabiosis
4. Phoresy

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Definition of Commensalism

The relationships formed between organisms that interact in nature are referred to by ecologists as symbiotic relationships. One type of symbiosis is called commensalism. In commensalism, one organism benefits from the relationship while the other species involved neither benefits nor is harmed. The benefits for one organism can be in a variety of forms, including food, shelter, transportation and seed dispersal.

Types of Commensalism

Most experts in the field of ecology group commensal relationships into four main types: chemical, inquilinism, metabiosis and phoresy.

Chemical commensalism is most often observed between two species of bacteria. It involves one species of bacteria feeding on the chemicals produced or the waste products that are not used by the other bacteria.

Inquilinism involves one species using the body or a body cavity of another organism as a platform or a living space while the host organism neither benefits nor is harmed.

Metabiosis is a form of commensalism that occurs when one species unintentionally creates a home for another species through one of its normal life activities.

A phoresy takes place when one organism attaches to another organism specifically for the purpose of gaining transportation.

Examples of Commensalism

An example of inquilinism can be observed between barnacles and whales. Barnacles are normally sessile, or non-moving sea creatures. They rely on currents to bring food past them in order to eat. However, some barnacles have attached themselves to the sides of various sea life, such as whales, in order to have a more advantageous position in life. These barnacles benefit by receiving transportation all over the ocean, which exposes them to more currents and feeding opportunities than they would normally experience. The whale neither benefits nor is harmed by the barnacles.

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definition & types - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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Commensalism: Relationship Examples, Definition & Types - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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The relationships formed between organisms that interact in nature are referred to by ecologists as symbiotic relationships . One type of symbiosis is called commensalism. In commensalism, one organism benefits from the relationship while the other species involved neither benefits nor is harmed.

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Definition: A relationship where one partner benefits while the other does not.