Mutualism vs. Commensalism
Key Differences
Comparison Chart
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Relationship Type
Survival in Relationship
Example
Mutualism and Commensalism Definitions
Mutualism
Commensalism
Mutualism
Commensalism
Mutualism
Commensalism
Mutualism
Commensalism
Mutualism
Commensalism
Mutualism vs. Commensalism
Mutualism is that type of a symbiotic relationship where both species involved get benefit from the relationship. On the other hand, commensalism represents that type of symbiotic relationship where only one organism get benefits while the other does not benefit and not harmed from the relationship. In case of mutualism, both the organisms are interdependent whereas in case of commensalism both the organisms are not dependent to each other. in mutualism individuals have the obligatory type of relationship while in commensalism organisms do not have obligatory kind of relationship. Mutualism is a short term relationship on the other hand commensalism is a type of long term relationship.
What is Mutualism?
Mutualism contains a mutually beneficial relationship that involves two or many species that are different. In other words, the species which are involved in this relationship have different needs for their survival. There are different kinds of mutualistic relationships that are based on transport, defense, nutrition, and shelter. The significant aspect of the mutualistic relationships is that they are obligatory. This shows that each or species are dependent on each other. Each organism needs the other to live. This is to create a fine balance in the ecosystem where different organisms depend on each other for their survival. These are the following types of mutualistic relationships depending on different factors:
- Nutrition Mutualism: The relationship between the flower and bee is based on nutritional needs. Bees feed on the flower nectar that is produced by flowers while they also act as pollination agents to the flowers. Both species benefit in this mutual relationship.
- Shelter Mutualism: Human beings need bacteria in their digestive system while on the other side, they provide shelter to bacteria. Thus, the digestive process in human beings is mutually beneficial to both hosts and bacteria.
- Defense Mutualism: Ants, provide a defense to the acacia plants against browsers while the ants get food from these host plants. Both organisms get benefit from this form of symbiotic relationship.
- Transport Mutualism: Bees carry the pollen from one flower to the other, and this process facilitates cross-pollination.
Example
Relationship between bees and flowers and humans and digestive bacteria.
What is Commensalism?
Commensalism is a kind of relationship in which two or more organisms coexist, but only one organism get benefit from this association. The other partner that does not benefit is not harmed by this kind of relationship. In commensalism, the other part benefits in the form of obtaining nutrients, shelter, support as well as transport. In this partnership, it can be seen that the host organism that provides shelter or transport to other organisms is not harmed. This type of relationship is divided into the following categories:
- Inquilinism: One organism gets shelter from the host organism, but that organism does not harm it. Like trees provide permanent shelter to epiphytic plants which grow on them, but there is no harm caused on the host organisms.
- Metabiosis: The host organism provides habitat to the other organism, but there is no harm caused to the host organism. Hermit crabs, for instance, can use dead gastropods as their habitat and no harm is caused to the host organism.
- Phoresy: The host organism gives transport to the other organism, but there is no harm caused on the partner carrying the other. Birds, for example, provide transport to millipedes but they are not harmed in the process.
- Microbiota: Other organisms form communities with the host partner. For example, pilot fishes ride on a shark to obtain food, but they do not harm the host organism.
Example
Hermit crabs using dead gastropods for shelter and millipedes traveling on birds.
