Which type of symbiotic relationship is shown when one organism benefits while the other is unaffected?

The correct answer is commensalism, which is a form of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This type of interaction is commonly observed in nature. An example of commensalism is the relationship between barnacles and whales; barnacles attach to the skin of whales for transportation and access to feeding opportunities, while the whales are generally unaffected by their presence.

In contrast, mutualism involves both organisms benefiting from the relationship, such as bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar. Parasitism is characterized by one organism benefiting at the expense of the other, such as ticks feeding on the blood of mammals. Competition refers to the struggle between organisms for the same resources, where both are negatively impacted as they vie for limited supplies. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how different species interact within ecosystems.