Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

51. Community Ecology

Community Interactions: Mutualism (+/+) & Commensalism (+/0)

General Biology

51. Community Ecology

Community Interactions: Mutualism (+/+) & Commensalism (+/0)

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Multiple Choice

How is commensalism different from mutualism in ecological interactions?

In commensalism, both species benefit equally, while in mutualism, only one benefits.

In commensalism, one species is harmed and the other benefits, while in mutualism, both are harmed.

In commensalism, one species benefits while the other is unaffected, whereas in mutualism, both species benefit.

In commensalism, both species are harmed, while in mutualism, only one benefits.

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Define commensalism. Commensalism is an ecological interaction where one species benefits while the other species is neither harmed nor helped (unaffected). This means the unaffected species does not gain or lose anything from the interaction.

Step 2: Define mutualism. Mutualism is an ecological interaction where both species involved benefit from the relationship. This is a positive interaction for both organisms.

Step 3: Compare the two interactions. In commensalism, the relationship is one-sided, with only one species benefiting and the other remaining neutral. In mutualism, both species actively gain benefits from the interaction.

Step 4: Provide examples for clarity. An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit by gaining mobility and access to food, while the whale is unaffected. An example of mutualism is bees pollinating flowers; the bees gain nectar for food, and the flowers benefit by being pollinated.

Step 5: Summarize the key difference. The key distinction is that commensalism involves one species benefiting and the other being unaffected, whereas mutualism involves both species benefiting from the interaction.