Question

What do parasitism, predation, and commensalism have in common? How are they different? (Site 1)

Answer 1

Parasitism, predation, and commensalism are all types of ecological relationships between different species. However, their main difference lies in the nature of the benefits and harms exchanged between them. In parasitism, one species (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host), often causing harm to the host. In predation, one species (the predator) benefits by killing and consuming the other (the prey). In commensalism, one species benefits from the other without causing harm or benefitting the other, although the other may also benefit. So, while all three involve a relationship between different species, the main difference is in the nature of the interaction and the effects on the participating species.