Understanding the Difference between Mutualism and Commensalism

A symbiotic interaction between two species is described by both commensalism and mutualism. The major distinction is whether one or both organisms’ profit from the association. Mutualism is further separated into two types, depending on how reliant organisms are on one another for existence.

Symbiosis

In an environment, symbiosis refers to a variety of living relationships between the different species of organisms. These symbiotic connections could be beneficial, neutral, or destructive to one or both of the organisms involved. In nature’s complicated web, species frequently have multiple symbiotic relationships at the same time.

Mutualism, Commensalism, and Parasitism are the three types of symbiosis.

Mutualism

Mutualism refers to a mutually beneficial interaction between two or more different species. To put it another way, the species involved in this connection have distinct survival requirements. Mutualistic interactions based on transportation, defence, sustenance, and shelter exist in various forms. The fact that mutualistic connections are required is a crucial feature. This demonstrates how each of our species is interdependent. To survive, each organism requires the existence of the other. This is done to achieve a delicate equilibrium in the ecosystem, in which diverse organisms rely on one another for life.

Types of mutualistic relationships on the basis of various factors are:

Nutrition Mutualism

The bee and flower’s relationship are based on the nutritional requirements. Bees eat on the nectar produced by flowers and also serve as pollinators for the flowers. In this mutually beneficial partnership, both species benefit.

Defence Mutualism

The acacia plants are protected from browsers by ants, and the ants feed on the acacia plants. This type of symbiotic interaction benefits both creatures.

Transport Mutualism

Bees transport pollen from one blossom to the next, facilitating cross-pollination.

Shelter Mutualism

Humans require bacteria in their digestive systems, but they also supply bacteria with a home. As a result, both hosts and bacteria benefit from the digestive process in humans.

Commensalism

Commensalism is a type of interaction where two or more creatures cohabit but only one benefits from the relationship. This type of connection does not harm the other partner who does not profit. The other party benefits from commensalism by receiving nutrients, shelter, assistance, and transportation. The host organism which offers refuge or transportation to other creatures is not harmed in this cooperation.

Types of Commensalism relationships are:

Metabiosis

Metabiosis occurs when a host organism supplies habitat for another organism while causing no harm to the host organism. Hermit crabs, for example, can live in deceased gastropods without causing harm to the host organism.

Phoresy

One organism depends on its host for the transportation in phoresy. Arthropods are the most common examples of this. Millipedes, for example, travel on birds while pseudoscorpions live on animals.

Inquilinism

When one organism seeks shelter from another, the latter does not harm it. Trees provide permanent cover for epiphytic plants that grow on them, yet the host organisms are not harmed.

Microbiota

With the host partner, other creatures create communities. Pilot fishes, for example, ride atop sharks to get food, and they do not affect the host organism.

Difference Between Mutualism and Commensalism

Example of Mutualism and Commensalism

Example of Mutualism

The relationship between flower and bee, Human Beings and Bacteria.

Example of Commensalism

Orchids growing on the big tree trunks- Orchids can be found growing on tree trunks and branches. They take fluids from tree stem but don’t help the host in any way. Orchids are exclusively reliant on their hosts for water. They do not require nutrients from tree because they are capable of preparing their own meals.

Parasitism

Parasitism is a connection in which one symbiont (the parasite) benefits while the other (the host) suffers harm and it may eventually die. Parasites can cause harm to their hosts, as well as make them sick and feeble. A built – in selection process normally reduces the amount of harm to the host, allowing the parasite time to finish its reproductive cycle and find a new host for its children.

Conclusion

Commensalism and mutualism are both sorts of symbiotic interactions, according to the conclusion of this article. In mutualism, 2 or more organisms are engaged that are reliant on each other for the survival, and both organisms’ benefit, whereas in commensalism, two or more organisms are involved who are not reliant on each other for the survival, and only 1 organism benefits while the other partner does not harm.