Commensalism is the term used to designate a type of ecological relationship harmonic and interspecific, in which one species takes advantage of the food remains of another.
Commensalism is characterized by interactions between organisms of different species, without the species that benefits, harming the one that helps. Therefore, it is beneficial for one species and absolutely neutral for another.
We call the commensal species the one that benefits from the relationship, that is, the one that feeds. While the one who provides the food is called "host" or "host".
The word for dinner derives from the Latin “commensale”, which means “one who eats together with” or “guest at the table”.
Examples of Commensalism
As we have seen, commensalism involves the relationship in which an individual takes advantage of the food leftovers of another, without harming him. See some examples:
Remora and Shark
This is the most classic example of commensalism. A remora is a small fish with suckers on its dorsal region used to attach itself to sharks. Thus, the remora is transported and feeds on the food remains left by the shark. After feeding, the remora looks for another shark for a new association in search of more food. The shark does not suffer any harm from the relationship.
See too: White shark.
man and Entamoeba coli
between the man and the Entamoeba coli there is a relationship of commensalism. THE AND. coli is a protozoan, from the group of amoebae, which lives in the large intestine of humans and feeds on their digestive remains. It does not cause man any disease.
lions and hyenas
Hyenas are on the lookout for lion hunting. When the lions finish feeding, the hyenas take advantage of the leftovers from hunting.
man and vulture
Vultures feed on the organic remains left by man. Large amounts of food are wasted by humans and end up in dumps, where vultures feed.
Carnivorous Animals and Vultures
This relationship is very similar to that of lions and hyenas. After hunting and feeding the carnivorous animals, the birds take advantage of the leftovers and feed.
Learn more about Ecological Relations.
Commensalism and Inquilinism
The term commensalism can also be attributed to a different connotation. The most common is to relate commensalism as an ecological relationship that aims to obtain food for one of the species involved.
However, some authors consider the relationships between species that involve protection and shelter as types of commensalism. In this case, the inquilinism, a relationship in which one organism serves as a shelter for another, would be a form of commensalism.
Tenancy is also a harmonic interspecific relationship, in which one of the species benefits and the other does not suffer, it is neutral.
In short, commensalism refers to a type of relationship aimed at obtaining food. Meanwhile, tenancy is aimed at protecting one of the species involved.
Commensalism and Mutualism
O mutualism it is a harmonic and interspecific relationship between individuals of various species. It has the character of food, protection or transport, in which both species are favored, unlike commensalism, where only one species is benefited.
