Let me share with you a difference between mutualism and commensalism.
| Aspect | Mutualism | Commensalism |
| Introduction | A type of relationship in which both species get benefit from each other. | A type of relationship in which one species get benefits and the other species is neither benefited nor harmed |
| Dependency | High mutual dependence | Lower dependence |
| Evolutionary significance | Often leads to coevolution, where both species evolve adaptations to enhance mutual benefits | Less likely may lead to coevolution in some cases |
| Cost to participants | Participants incur a cost for the benefit of the partner, but the overall result is positive | The benefiting species gains without imposing significant costs or benefits on the other |
| Specificity | Can be highly specific, with each partner having evolved specific adaptations for the other | Can be less specific, with the benefiting species exploiting various hosts or environments |
| Duration | Usually involves close and long-term interactions | Can be more temporary or opportunistic, depending on circumstances |
| Examples | · Pollination by animals (e.g., bees and flowers)
· Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume roots · Human gut bacteria aiding in digestion |
· Birds nesting in trees without affecting the trees
· Remoras hitching a ride on sharks |