Understanding Commensal Relationships

Commensal relationships are when one species benefits, and the other one isn’t really affected. This kind of relationship happens in nature all the time. Here are a couple of examples:

1. Examples of Commensalism:

   • Epiphytic Plants: These are plants like orchids that grow on trees to get more sunlight. They don’t hurt the tree at all.
   • Barnacles on Whales: Barnacles attach themselves to whales. This helps them move to places with lots of food while the whales don’t feel any difference.

2. Some Facts:

   • Around 30% of plant species are epiphytes. That shows how common this relationship is!
   • In the ocean, barnacles can grow their numbers by as much as 50% when they latch onto a whale.

These examples show how different species can live side by side and help each other without causing harm. This connection helps our planet stay lively and diverse!