A commensal symbiosis is a symbiotic relationship between two species in which one species benefits from association, while the other species neither benefits nor harms. 

What is Commensalism?

 

In other words, an organism that benefits from the relationship has a positive effect on its survival or reproduction, while an organism that does not benefit from or is unaffected does not change. Symbiosis plays an important role in ecosystems, providing new habitats and resources for species and promoting biodiversity. In some cases, the relationship between two species changes over time, from symbiotic to reciprocal to parasitic.

For example, bird species that begin using hollow trees for nesting may attract insects that feed on the tree’s sap. Over time, insects help pollinate nearby plants, providing birds with a more stable food source. In summary, a symbiotic relationship plays an important role in ecosystems, shaping species’ behavior and survival, and promoting biodiversity. Understanding the role of symbiosis in nature can help us better understand the complex relationships between species and how they interact and influence each other.

It is also worth noting that classifying relationships between species as commensal, mutualistic, or parasitic can be subjective and depends on the observer’s circumstances and perspective. In some cases, relationships that appear symbiotic from one point of view can actually adversely affect one of the species involved. For example, the relationship between humans and the microbes that live on and within them has traditionally been viewed as symbiotic. Microorganisms benefit from the warmth, nutrition, and protection of their human hosts, while humans neither benefit nor harm.

In conclusion, commensalism explains interspecies relationships. It’s a useful concept to help you, but it’s important to realize that real-life relationships are complex, multifaceted, and can change over time.

Example of Commensalism 

A well-known example of commensal symbiosis in nature is the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets. 

Cattle egrets are birds that eat insects such as flies that cattle are attracted to when they graze. Cattle egrets follow cows and use the animal’s movements to stir up insects, making them easier to catch and eat. In this regard, cattle egrets benefit from the presence of livestock as they provide a rich food source in the form of insects. 

However, cattle are unaffected by the presence of cattle egrets and are neither benefited nor harmed as a result of the relationship. This relationship can have positive effects on both types. For cattle egrets, the abundant food provided by cattle helps improve survival and reproduction making the experience more enjoyable.

In some cases, the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets can be more complicated, with cattle egrets providing the cattle with additional benefits such as: helping to control tick populations that can transmit diseases that may affect the livestock. This highlights the dynamic nature of interspecies relationships and how they change over time. Overall, the relationship between cattle and cattle egrets is a clear example of commensal symbiosis, with some species benefiting from the association and others not.

Types of Commensalism 

There are several types of commensalism. An example of this type of commensal symbiosis is a tick that travels from one place to another on an ant-like insect.

Inquilinism

It refers to a symbiotic relationship in which one species lives on or in the body of another species permanently without harming the host. An Inquiline or symbiont benefits from a relationship by obtaining food, shelter, or other resources from its host. An example of inquilinism is the relationship between bee species and flower species. Bees collect nectar from flowers to feed themselves and their young, and in return transfer pollen from one flower to another, allowing plants to reproduce.

Metabiosis

On the other hand, it is a kind of symbiotic relationship in which one species creates a habitat for another and lives in the new habitat. The second species benefits from the relationship by gaining food or shelter in the new habitat, while the first species do not benefit directly. An example of metabiosis is the relationship between hermit crabs and sea anemones. Hermit crabs have anemones in their shells that provide them with a migratory habitat. Anemones protect hermit crabs from predators. This is because hermit crabs can sting and scare potential threats.

Phoretic Commensalism

In this type of commensalism, one species uses another species as a means of transportation. Such types of interaction are temporary. For example, mites often attach themselves to insects and travel to new habitats. The mites benefit by gaining access to new areas, while the insects are not affected in any significant way.

Protective Commensalism

In this type of commensalism, one species provides protection to another species. For example, clownfish live among the tentacles of sea anemones. The clownfish receive protection from predators, while the anemones are not affected in any significant way.

Facultative Commensalism

In this type of commensalism, one species benefits from another species, but the latter is neither helped nor harmed. For example, many plants rely on animals to disperse their seeds. The plants benefit by having their seeds transported to new areas, while the animals are not affected in any significant way.

Suspensory Commensalism

In this type of commensalism, one species uses another species as a support structure. For example, ivy often grows on trees, using them for support as it grows taller. The ivy benefits by having a structure to climb, while the trees are not affected in any significant way.

Nutritional Commensalism

In this type of commensalism, one species benefits from resources provided by another species without affecting it. For example, barnacles often attach themselves to whales and feed on the small organisms that are present in the water around the whale. The barnacles benefit from having a constant food source, while the whales are not affected in any significant way.

Domesticated Animals and Commensalism

Domesticated animals, such as cattle, horses, and sheep, can play a significant role in commensalism relationships in human-managed ecosystems. 

For example:

• As mentioned earlier, cattle and cattle egrets are classic examples of domesticated animal symbiosis. Cattle attract insects that feed on cattle egrets, but the cattle themselves are not affected by the presence of cattle egrets.
• Horses and botflies are other examples of domesticated animal commensalism. The botfly lays eggs on the horse, and the larvae feed on the horse’s sweat and other secretions without causing significant damage to the horse.
• Chickens and red ticks are other examples of domesticated commensals. Chicken mites feed on chicken blood while they are asleep without causing any significant damage to the chicken. However, large numbers of red mites can be a nuisance to chickens, causing blood loss, reduced egg production, and increased stress.

FAQs on Commensalism

Question 1: What is symbiosis? How is it different from other types of symbiotic relationships?

Answer:

A commensal symbiosis is a type of symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits from the relationship and the other species neither helps nor harms. It differs from mutualism, where both species benefit from the relationship, and parasitism, where one species benefits at the expense of the other.

Question 2: How do commensal species benefit from the commensal association? 

Answer:

Symbiotic species benefit from the relationship by utilizing the host as a means of locomotion and shelter, or by extracting food and nutrients from the host’s surrounding environment.

Question 3: How do symbiotic host species affect symbiotic species? 

Answer:

A host species in a symbiotic relationship is not affected by the presence of the symbiotic species, but can be affected by its activities such as B. Migration or availability of resources provides advantages to commensal species.

Question 4: Can symbiosis indirectly benefit the host species?

Answer:

Yes, symbiosis can indirectly benefit the host species. For example, host-species symbiosis may provide protection from predators or attract other species that are beneficial to the host.