Commensalism is a type of relationship between species. It's different from mutualism, where both species help each other, and parasitism, where one species hurts the other.

There are many types of commensalism, like chemical commensalism and phoresy. Each type shows how one species can help another without hurting it.

Remora fish and sharks are an example.

Barnacles and whales are another example.

Hermit crabs use empty shells.

Cattle egrets and grazing mammals are also an example.

Emperor shrimp and sea cucumbers have a commensal relationship.

Orchids grow on trees.

Moss and lichens grow on tree bark.

Burrowing owls use prairie dog tunnels.

Burdock seeds attach to animals.

Skin bacteria live on humans.

Pseudoscorpions hitch rides on other animals.

Birds follow army ants.

Remora fish attach to sharks and sea turtles. They use a special suction cup on their heads.

The remora fish get food and transportation from the host. The host is not really affected.

Barnacles attach to whales. They get to move around and eat.

The whale might feel a little effect from the barnacles, but not much.

Hermit crabs use old shells from snails. This is called metabiosis.

The hermit crab gets a home, and the snail is not affected because it's dead.

Cattle egrets follow grazing mammals. They eat insects that the mammals stir up.

The birds get food, and the mammals are not affected.

Emperor shrimp attach to sea cucumbers. They get a ride and protection.

The sea cucumber might feel a little effect, but it's not sure.

Some orchids grow on trees. They get more sunlight and water.

The orchid gets a better home, and the tree is not affected.

Moss and lichens grow on trees. They get a place to live and food.

The tree is not really affected because the moss and lichens get food from the air.

Burrowing owls use tunnels made by prairie dogs. They get a home.

The prairie dogs are not affected because the tunnels already exist.

Burdock seeds attach to animals. They get to move to new places.

The plant gets to spread its seeds, and the animal is not affected.

Some bacteria live on human skin. They eat dead skin cells.

The bacteria get food and a home, and the human is not affected.

Pseudoscorpions attach to insects or mammals. This is called phoresy.

The pseudoscorpion gets a ride, and the host is not affected.

Some birds follow army ants. They eat insects that the ants scare up.

The birds get food, but the ants might be affected.

Commensal relationships show how species interact. One species helps, and the other is not affected.

We made this article with AI and edited it to make sure it's correct.