Explaining Mutualism, Parasitism, & Commenalism

Mutualism- Both parties benefit from the relationship, the two organisms can survive apart from one another.

An ex. When a bird sits on a rhino and eats ticks and other parasites that live on their skin.

 

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Parasitism- One organisms benefits while the other is affected negatively or harmed.

An ex. A mosquito of a parasite when they suck the blood from other animals the animals are harmed while the mosquito benefits.

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Commenalism- One organism benefits while the other is not affected in any way.

An ex. Barnacles sticking to the tail of a whale.