In nature, some insects benefit from others without causing any harm. This is called commensalism.

For example, mites hitch rides on flies. They get a free trip to new places. The fly isn’t bothered at all.

In commensalism, one organism gains and the other is unaffected. This shows how different species can live together peacefully.

Let’s look at more examples of how insects share their world this way.

Commensalism Definition

Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship. One organism benefits while the host remains unharmed. This contrasts with mutualism, where both species benefit, and parasitism, where one is harmed.

Here are some examples of commensalism:

• Pseudoscorpions hitch a ride on larger flies. They gain transportation while the fly is unaffected.
• Anemonefish live in anemones for protection without harming them.
• Birds follow army ants to hunt prey disturbed by the ants.
• Remora fish attach to sea animals, gaining transport and food scraps without harming the host.
• Birds find safety among herds or large mammals.

In the Pleistocene era, wolves likely followed human camps to scavenge food. Tiny mites on animal fur and barnacles on whales are other examples where the host is unaffected. This relationship allows species like dogs to live closely with humans without causing harm.

Etymology of ‘Commensalism’

The term ‘commensalism’ comes from Medieval Latin. It means “sharing a table,” with “com-” meaning “together” and “mensa” meaning “table.” This term describes a relationship where one species benefits while the other is not harmed.

Over time, the meaning of commensalism has grown. It now includes various relationships where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected. This is different from mutualism, where both species benefit. It also differs from parasitism, where one species harms the other.

Pierre-Joseph van Beneden, a Belgian zoologist, introduced the term in 1876. Some examples include:

• Mites on insects
• Remoras on sharks
• Pseudoscorpions riding on flies

These examples show how some animals use others for protection or transport without causing harm. Other examples are:

• Humans and domesticated wolves
• Birds building nests in trees
• Anemonefish seeking shelter in anemones
• Emperor shrimp on sea cucumbers
• Barnacles on whales

These examples highlight different interactions within commensalism.

Biology Terms Related to Commensalism

Commensal organisms are animals or plants that benefit from their relationship with a host without harming it. This relationship is called commensalism.

There are various examples of commensalism.

• Pseudoscorpions hitch rides on larger insects like flies. They gain transportation benefits without affecting the fly.
• Epiphytes like orchids grow on tree trunks to get sunlight without harming the tree.
• Remoras ride sharks.
• Mites live on birds.
• Barnacles attach to whales.

Insects and animals also have these types of relationships.

Scientists study these interactions to understand different habitats better. For example:

• Army ants flush out prey for birds.
• Arctic foxes follow caribou to find food.

Some relationships like those between anemonefish and sea anemones or dogs and humans go back to the Pleistocene era. This shows the long history of commensalism.

Examples of Commensalism in Insects

Pseudoscorpions and Their Hosts

Pseudoscorpions are tiny arachnids usually under a centimeter long. They often move to different places by hitching rides on larger animals. Common hosts are insects like flies and beetles. They also use mammals, birds, and even sea creatures.

This ride-sharing is called phoresy. It helps pseudoscorpions gain protection and move around. For example, they can be found under the wings of beetles or in the fur of mammals. Scientists think they choose hosts that offer safe transport and access to new food areas. This helps them find new places to live.

Pseudoscorpions do not harm their hosts. This makes their relationship different from parasitism. This type of relationship, known as symbiosis, is also seen with remoras on manta rays and barnacles on whales.

Insect Commensalism in Bait Fish and Manta Rays

In the commensal relationship between bait fish and manta rays, insects hitch rides on these larger animals. This is like pseudoscorpions attaching to larger insects like flies. The insects get protection while moving with the bait fish and manta rays. Pseudoscorpions avoid harm by hiding under the elytra of beetles.

These insects do not harm their hosts. Just like barnacles on whales or mites on birds and mammals, they do not affect the hosts’ behavior or health. Scientists study these relationships to understand symbiosis, including commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism.

In this case, the insects, like remoras on sharks, get protection and transportation from the bait fish and manta rays without impacting them. This form of commensalism is seen in many species. For example, birds nest in trees and army ants are followed by birds.

The insects’ presence is harmless. This allows them to live in different habitats without affecting the health or behavior of their hosts.

Seed Dispersal by Ants

Ants help spread seeds by carrying them from one place to another. This process is called myrmecochory. The ants are drawn to seeds because of the elaiosomes, which are fatty parts full of lipids and proteins.

The ants take the seeds back to their nests. There, they eat the elaiosomes and leave the seeds in nutrient-rich waste areas. This helps the seeds grow better.

Plants like bloodroot and trillium mainly depend on ants to spread their seeds. This relationship helps both the ants and the plants. The ants get good food, and the plants can spread their seeds without hurting the ants.

Other Commensal Relationships in Nature

Humans and Their Dogs

Dogs have been important to human societies since the Pleistocene era. This started when less aggressive wolves hung around human camps, eating leftovers. These wolves gradually became domesticated dogs. They offered protection and helped with hunting. In return, humans gave them food and shelter.

Dogs have many roles, such as herding animals and aiding in search and rescue operations. This relationship benefits both humans and dogs. Dogs defend humans, while humans help dogs survive. This mutual benefit has helped both species thrive in various places.

Dogs and humans have formed a deep bond, unlike some other animal relationships. For example, pseudoscorpions hitch rides on flies or remoras on manta rays without hurting them. Birds nest in trees and barnacles live on whales without these hosts directly benefiting. The human-dog partnership, however, benefits both sides, making it a unique example of symbiosis.

Fungi and Bacteria: Aspergillus, Staphylococcus, Nitrosomonas spp, and Nitrobacter spp

Aspergillus and Staphylococcus interact differently with their surroundings compared to Nitrosomonas spp and Nitrobacter spp.

Aspergillus, a type of fungus, usually lives in places like the human gut. It often does not cause harm but can lead to diseases in people with weak immune systems. Staphylococcus, common bacteria on human skin, can become harmful by causing infections if they enter the body but often coexist without issues.

In contrast, Nitrosomonas spp and Nitrobacter spp are important in the nitrogen cycle. Nitrosomonas spp convert ammonium to nitrite. Nitrobacter spp convert nitrite to nitrate. This process provides nutrients to plants. They form commensal relationships where Nitrobacter spp benefit from using Nitrosomonas spp’s byproducts.

Aspergillus can also live on human skin or in the gut without causing harm, showing commensalism. Similarly, many species of Staphylococcus live on human skin or in mucous membranes without causing damage.

These relationships show how different organisms, whether in microbial communities or larger ecosystems, often engage in symbiosis for mutual benefit or neutral interaction.

Underwater Commensalism: Octocorals and Brittle Stars

Brittle stars benefit from living on octocorals. They cling to octocorals for protection and to elevate themselves above the sea floor, making it easier to capture food from the water currents.

Octocorals might get a small benefit. The brittle stars moving around can provide a cleaning action. However, octocorals usually do not gain much else.

This relationship has led to changes in both species. Brittle stars have developed strong grips to hold onto octocorals. Octocorals can now tolerate having brittle stars on their bodies without harm.

This relationship shows how different organisms can adapt to maximize their survival. For instance, aspergillus on humans or remoras on whales. They usually stay unnoticed by their hosts.

The relationship between brittle stars and octocorals highlights how one species can benefit while the other remains unaffected.

Real-world Arguments About Commensalism

Real-world examples of commensalism can both illustrate and challenge traditional definitions in biology.

For instance, the relationship between wolves and humans during the Pleistocene may have set the stage for dog domestication. Pseudoscorpions hitching rides on flies show that one species benefits while the other remains unaffected. This reinforces the classic commensalism definition.

However, some conditions blur the lines between commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism. Scientists argue that what seems like commensalism might subtly affect the host, turning it into mutualism or parasitism.

Agriculture and urbanization have also altered these relationships:

• Birds nest in man-made structures.
• Domestic animals attract species like mice, creating new commensal relationships.

Even in the wild, examples like remoras on whales or emperor shrimp on sea cucumbers show nature’s complex web. Birds following army ants or brittle stars living with octocorals also highlight these intricate interactions.

Human influence on habitats and the introduction of new organisms reinforce the dynamic nature of these relationships. Thus, while some commensal relationships, like mites on animals or barnacles on whales, seem straightforward, others remain contentious among scientists.

Quiz on Commensalism Concepts

Commensalism is a relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is unaffected. Many examples of this can be found in the animal world.

Pseudoscorpions, a type of insect, show commensalism by catching rides on larger insects like flies. They get free transportation without hurting the host.

In early times, humans and dogs also formed commensal relationships. Wolves were drawn to human camps during the Pleistocene era for leftover food. Over time, dogs and humans both benefited from this relationship. They gained companionship and protection.

This bond grew stronger as both species adapted to live closely together. Their long-term commensal bond is still evident today.

FAQ

What is commensalism in insects?

Commensalism in insects is a relationship where one insect benefits while the other is neither harmed nor benefited. Example: Cockroaches living in human homes benefit from the warmth and food, while the humans are not directly affected.

How do insects benefit from commensalism?

Insects can benefit from commensalism by receiving protection from predators, accessing food sources provided by other organisms, and gaining transportation. An example of this is ants protecting aphids in exchange for honeydew.

What are some examples of commensalism between insects?

Some examples of commensalism between insects include ants obtaining food and protection from aphids in exchange for providing them with shelter, and butterflies benefitting from the protection of ants in exchange for providing them with sugary secretions.

Is commensalism always beneficial for the insects involved?

No, commensalism is not always beneficial for the insects involved. For example, commensalism with humans can lead to negative consequences such as increased exposure to pesticides or habitat destruction.

How does commensalism differ from other types of symbiotic relationships?

Commensalism differs from other types of symbiotic relationships because it benefits one organism while the other is unaffected. Examples include barnacles on whales or bromeliads on trees.