Ecology
Commensalism
A relationship between two species where one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. The benefiting species gains resources, shelter, or transport without affecting its host.
Biological Context
Remora fish attach to sharks, getting transported to food sources while the shark is unaffected. Epiphytic plants grow on trees for support without parasitizing them. True commensalism may be rare—closer study often reveals subtle benefits or costs to the 'unaffected' partner.
Business Application
Business commensalism: small companies that benefit from large platform changes without the platform noticing. App developers on iOS, sellers on Amazon.