What is the difference between commensalism and parasitism ?
The difference between commensalism and parasitism are: Commensalism • In this association, one organism is benefited while the other remains unaffected. • There is no involvement of food. E.g. woodpeckers peck holes for nesting in tree trunks. After they abandon these holes, blue birds, use them for nesting. Parasitism • In this association, an organism lives in / on the body of another organism and derives benefit from it. • Nutrition is obtained by the parasite at the expense of the host. E.g. ticks in dogs.
