What is symbiotic nutrition and commensalism?

Symbiotic nutrition is a type of nutrition in which two different organisms live together and help each other for mutual benefit. Commensalism is a relationship in which one organism benefits while the other remains unaffected.

1. Symbiotic Nutrition

• Both organisms depend on each other for survival or nutrition.
• Example: Lichens (a combination of algae and fungi) — the algae prepare food through photosynthesis, and the fungi provide shelter and water.
• Another example is Rhizobium bacteria living in the roots of leguminous plants to fix nitrogen for them.

2. Commensalism

• In this relationship, one organism benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped.
• Example: Barnacles that attach to whales — barnacles get a place to live and access to food currents while the whale remains unaffected.