Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

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What is the term for a relationship in which one organism benefits while the other is unharmed?

Commensalism
Neutralism
Mutualism
Parasitism

The correct answer is: Commensalism

The term that describes a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unharmed is commensalism. In this type of interaction, the benefiting organism gains some advantage, such as food or shelter, without affecting the other organism negatively. For example, barnacles attaching to a whale benefit from increased mobility and access to nutrients without harming the whale in any way. In contrast, neutralism refers to a situation where two organisms coexist without significantly affecting each other, but neither benefits. Mutualism involves a relationship where both organisms gain benefits, often resulting in a symbiotic partnership. Parasitism describes a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, causing harm to the host. This differentiation highlights the unique nature of commensalism, clearly emphasizing that while one organism gains, the other remains unaffected.