Table of contentsClick link to navigate to the desired location
This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
What is commensalism?
The term "commensalism" comes from the Latin words com (together) and mensa (table), literally translating as "shared table." It was first used by the French zoologist Pierre-Joseph Van Beneden in the 19th century while studying marine ecosystems.
Commensalism is a type of one-sided symbiosis:
- One organism (the commensal) benefits – gaining access to food, shelter, or other resources.
- The other organism (the host) experiences neither harm nor benefit.
How does commensalism arise?
This phenomenon is usually the result of a long evolutionary process in which one species finds a way to benefit without affecting the other. Such a balance occurs when:
- The species have non-overlapping resource needs.
- The commensal uses leftovers that the host does not need.
- The host is too large or strong to notice the impact from the commensal.
For example, small organisms that inhabit the bodies of large animals gain protection or transport but do not affect the health of their host.
Types of commensalism
In nature, commensalism manifests in various forms:
1. Trophic commensalism
One organism consumes the leftovers of another.
- Remoras and sharks: Remoras accompany sharks, feeding on their leftovers.
- Birds and livestock: Herons follow cattle herds, collecting insects that are scared up as they move through the grass.
2. Spatial commensalism
The commensal gains shelter or a living space.
- Orchids on trees: Epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) use trees as support for growth.
- Hermit crabs and sea sponges: Sponges settle on the shells of crabs, gaining free transportation, while the crab remains indifferent to its neighbor.
3. Phoresy
An organism uses another for transportation.
- Mites on insects: Some species of mites travel on flies or beetles to move more quickly between food sources.
- Seeds and animal fur: Plant seeds cling to the fur of animals and spread to new territories.
Commensalism in the human environment
Similar examples can be seen among humans. Zoological or microbiological aspects are particularly noticeable here, but there are also everyday examples.
Natural examples:
- Birds and cities: Pigeons and crows live alongside humans, using architecture for nesting and food leftovers for survival.
- Commensal bacteria: Bacteria live on human skin, feeding on secretions from sweat and sebaceous glands without causing harm.
Everyday examples:
- "Neighborhood benefit": In large cities, small businesses (such as cafes) often locate near large supermarkets, gaining customers from their traffic.
Why is commensalism important?
Commensalism plays an important role in the stability of ecosystems.
- Resource conservation: Commensals efficiently utilize leftover resources, minimizing waste in nature.
- Biodiversity: Commensalism promotes the development of new ecological niches, supporting species diversity.
- Evolutionary adaptation: Through commensalism, species find new ways to survive, increasing the resilience of ecosystems to changes.
Commensalism and society
In a broader context, the concept of commensalism can be applied to human relationships. For example, in business or culture, situations often arise where one party benefits without harming the other. Such relationships foster cooperation and innovation.
In the modern world, the idea of commensalism also reminds us of the importance of sustainable coexistence with nature. We can draw inspiration from nature to create relationships based on balance and harmony.
This post doesn't have any additions from the author yet.
