Commensal

usgb/kəˈmensl/
noun

A living thing that lives with another and benefits from it, but that other is neither harmed nor helped.

The skin is home to trillions of microbes including bacteria, yeasts, and mites which can be considered as commensals in human beings.
Visual representation of "commensal" - A living thing that lives with another and benefits from it, but that other is neither harmed nor helped.

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Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "commensal"
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Biological Relationships

Understand the nature of commensalism as a non-harmful coexistence, compared to parasitism (harmful) and mutualism (beneficial to both).

Illustration for Biological Relationships
The remora fish is a commensal, hitching a ride on sharks without affecting them.
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Neutral Impact

Remember that commensals do not provide a benefit to the host like mutualists do.

Illustration for Neutral Impact
Commensal fungi may grow on tree bark, but the tree remains unaffected.
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Shared Habitat

In biology, commensal species often share habitats or living spaces with their hosts.

Illustration for Shared Habitat
Barnacles living on whales are typical marine commensals.
Visual representation of the word "Commensal"

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