com·men·sal·ism (k -m n s-l z m)n. A symbiotic relationship between two organisms of different species in which one derives some benefit while the other is unaffected. |
| commensalism (k-mns-lzm) A symbiotic relationship in which one organism derives benefit while causing little or no harm to the other. Examples of commensalism include epiphytic plants, which depend on a larger host plant for support but which do not derive any nourishment from it, and remoras, which attach themselves to sharks and feed on their leavings without appreciably hindering their hosts. Compare amensalismmutualismparasitism |
commensalism
a relationship between animals or plants in which one lives with or on the other without damage to either. Cf. parasitism.
See also: Animalsthe living together of two organisms in a relationship that is beneficial to one and has no effect on the other. — commensal, adj.
See also: Biologythe practice of eating together at the same table. Also commensality. — commensal, n., adj.
See also: Food and Nutrition
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | commensalism - the relation between two different kinds of organisms when one receives benefits from the other without damaging it interdependence, interdependency, mutuality - a reciprocal relation between interdependent entities (objects or individuals or groups) |
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