COMMENSALISM
Charles François (2004). COMMENSALISM, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 501.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 501 ▶ |
| Object type | Discipline oriented, General information |
A relationship between two or more organisms which benefits one, or both, or all without harm for any of them.
Commensalism is thus a non-parasitic relation.
This concept comes from botanics and zoology.
Commensalism is an interactive ecological phenomenon . Its scope is more limited than symbiosis or parasitism . However, as such, it could be considered as a first step toward a closer individual or collective relationship , leading eventually to more complex social systems .