Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A commensalistic relationship is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other organism is neither harmed nor benefited.
Related terms
Mutualistic relationship: A mutualistic relationship is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms involved benefit from each other's presence.
Symbiosis: Symbiosis refers to a close and long-term interaction between two different species living in close proximity to each other.
Host: In a commensalistic relationship, the organism that provides the benefit without being harmed or benefited is called the host.