The Opposite(Antonym) of “parasitism”
The antonyms of parasitism are mutualism and commensalism. These terms describe different types of relationships between organisms in an ecosystem.
Explore all Antonyms of “parasitism”
Definitions and Examples of mutualism, commensalism
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
A type of symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit from the interaction.
Example
Bees and flowers have a mutualistic relationship, as bees collect nectar from flowers and help pollinate them in return.
A type of symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits from the interaction, while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
Example
Barnacles attach themselves to whales and feed on the scraps of food that float by, but the whales are not affected by their presence. This is an example of commensalism.
Key Differences: mutualism vs commensalism
- 1Mutualism is a relationship in which both organisms benefit from the interaction, while parasitism is a relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of the other.
- 2Commensalism is a relationship in which one organism benefits from the interaction, while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
Effective Usage of mutualism, commensalism
- 1Science Class: Use these antonyms to understand different types of symbiotic relationships in an ecosystem.
- 2Environmental Studies: Incorporate these antonyms to learn about the impact of human activities on ecosystems.
- 3Writing: Utilize these antonyms in descriptive writing to create vivid descriptions of the natural world.
Remember this!
The antonyms of parasitism are mutualism and commensalism. Mutualism is a relationship in which both organisms benefit, while commensalism is a relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected. Use these words to understand different types of symbiotic relationships in an ecosystem, learn about the impact of human activities on ecosystems, and create vivid descriptions of the natural world.