Define commensalism. Give examples.
Commensalism: It is defined as the interspecific interaction where one species is benefitted while the other species is neither benefitted nor harmed. Examples: Orchids grow as epiphytes on mango or other fruit trees. Orchids are benefitted by getting shelter, while the tree is neither benefitted nor harmed. The clownfish living among sea anemones get protection from their predators, which stay away from the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone. Barnacles growing on the whale are benefitted to move to where food is available. The cattle egrets always forage near where the cattle are grazing. As the cattle animals stir up, the insects are flushed out from the vegetation. The egrets are benefitted from this as otherwise, it might be difficult for the birds to detect and catch the insects.
