Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

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What type of relationship does commensalism represent?

  1. Both species benefit

  2. One benefits while the other is harmed

  3. One benefits while the other is unaffected

  4. Neither species benefits

The correct answer is: One benefits while the other is unaffected

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other species is neither helped nor harmed. In this interaction, the benefitting organism gains some advantage, such as food, shelter, or transportation, while the other organism remains unaffected in terms of its health, wellbeing, or reproduction. For example, epiphytic plants, which grow on trees, benefit by gaining access to sunlight and moisture without taking nutrients from the host tree. The tree itself is not negatively impacted by the presence of the epiphytic plants. This illustrates the essence of commensalism, where the interaction is largely neutral for one party involved. Understanding this relationship helps in recognizing the complex interactions within ecosystems and how species coexist and interact without negatively impacting each other, contributing to biodiversity.

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