AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AST Surgical Technologist Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions; each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to succeed!

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Which type of relationship describes two organisms sharing an area where one benefits and the other is unaffected?

Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Competition

The correct answer is: Commensalism

In ecological terms, the type of relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected is known as commensalism. In this interaction, one species derives some benefit from the relationship, such as food, shelter, or support, while the other species neither gains nor suffers as a result of the interaction. An example of commensalism is a remora fish attaching itself to a shark. The remora benefits by getting a free ride and access to scraps of food while the shark remains unaffected. This relationship is important to recognize in ecology as it highlights the various ways organisms interact within ecosystems, each occupying different roles that can have implications for biodiversity and ecosystem stability.