Here's a breakdown:
* Symbiotic relationship: This means that the two organisms live together in some kind of close association.
* One organism benefits: This could mean obtaining food, shelter, transportation, or some other advantage.
* The other organism is neutral: This means that the interaction has no significant impact on the other organism, neither positive nor negative.
Examples of Commensalism:
* Barnacles on whales: Barnacles attach themselves to the skin of whales, gaining access to food and transportation. The whale is not affected by the barnacles.
* Remora fish and sharks: Remora fish attach themselves to sharks using a suction disc on their heads. This allows them to hitch a ride and scavenge scraps of food from the shark's meals. The shark is not harmed by the remora.
* Birds nesting in trees: Birds build nests in trees, gaining shelter and protection. The trees are not affected by the nests.
It's important to note that the line between commensalism and other symbiotic relationships can be blurry. Sometimes, it's difficult to determine if the non-benefiting organism is truly unaffected. For example, some scientists argue that the relationship between remora fish and sharks might be more mutually beneficial, as the remora might help clean the shark's skin.