Which ecological relationship involves one organism being benefitted while the other remains unaffected?

1. Mutualism
2. Omnivory
3. Parasitism
4. Commensalism 

The correct answer is Commensalism. In this type of relationship, one organism benefits, while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Understanding Ecological Relationships

There are various types of interactions between organisms in an ecosystem. Understanding these interactions is important in ecology as it explains how species coexist and influence each other.

1. Mutualism:

– This is a win-win situation where both organisms benefit from the relationship.
– Example: Bees and flowers. Bees get nectar for food, and in return, they help flowers with pollination.

1. Omnivory:

– In this relationship, an organism feeds on both plants and animals, and as a result, the plants and animals are negatively affected.
– Example: Humans are omnivores as they consume both plant-based and animal-based food.

1. Parasitism:

– This is a win-lose situation where one organism benefits (the parasite) at the expense of the other (the host).
– Example: Ticks feeding on the blood of animals. The tick benefits while the animal suffers.

1. Predation:

– This refers to the act of one animal, the predator, feeding on another animal, the prey. The predator benefits, but the prey is harmed.
– Example: A lion hunting a zebra. The lion is nourished, but the zebra loses its life.

1. Commensalism:

– In this relationship, one organism benefits while the other is unaffected. It’s a win-neutral situation.
– Example: Barnacles attaching themselves to whales. The barnacles benefit by having a place to live, while the whale remains unaffected.

Ecological Relationships Explained

1. Mutualism: Both organisms involved in mutualism gain something valuable. For example, bees and flowers have a mutualistic relationship because the bees get food from the flowers, while the flowers get pollinated by the bees. This interaction supports the growth and reproduction of both organisms.

2. Omnivory: This involves organisms that consume both plants and animals. In doing so, they may deplete plant populations and affect animal populations, leading to negative consequences for the food sources.

3. Parasitism: A parasitic relationship often harms the host while the parasite thrives. For instance, parasitic worms in animals benefit by absorbing nutrients from the host, which weakens the host over time.

4. Predation: Predators hunt and feed on prey, which controls prey populations and influences the ecosystem’s structure. For instance, wolves prey on deer, maintaining a balance in the forest ecosystem by preventing overpopulation.

5. Commensalism: In commensalism, one species gains an advantage while the other remains unaffected. A classic example is birds building nests in trees. The birds gain shelter, but the tree is neither harmed nor benefitted by the bird’s presence.

Conclusion:

Understanding these ecological relationships helps explain how organisms interact in ecosystems. Commensalism stands out as a unique interaction where one organism benefits without affecting the other, while other relationships like mutualism, parasitism, and predation involve varying levels of benefit and harm.