The association between two organisms living together in which only one benefits from the association while the other is neither benefited nor harmed is

The association between two organisms living together in which only one benefits from the association while the other is neither benefited nor harmed is called commensalism. Commensalism is a type of ecological relationship that occurs when one organism benefits from the association, while the other organism is unaffected. The organism that benefits from the association is called the commensal, while the other organism is called the host. In this type of relationship, the commensal often uses the host for shelter, food, or transportation, but the host is not harmed or helped by the commensal in any way. For example, some birds and mammals, such as egrets and cattle, have a commensal relationship. The birds perch on the backs of the cattle and eat insects that are attracted to the cattle. The cattle are not affected by the presence of the birds, but the birds benefit from the association by gaining a steady source of food. In summary, commensalism is a type of ecological relationship in which one organism benefits from the association while the other is neither benefited nor harmed.