Neutralism

Definition

Neutralism is a type of symbiotic relationship between two organisms where neither party affects the other. Both organisms coexist without influencing each other's survival, growth, or reproduction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neutralism is considered a rare form of interaction among prokaryotic species in microbiomes.
2. In a neutralistic relationship, neither organism benefits nor suffers from the presence of the other.
3. Environmental factors and resource availability play significant roles in maintaining neutralistic relationships.
4. Differentiating neutralism from other symbiotic relationships like mutualism or commensalism can be challenging due to subtle interactions.
5. Neutralism may occur in highly diverse microbial communities where resources are abundant.

Review Questions

• What defines a neutralistic relationship between two organisms?
• Why is neutralism considered rare among prokaryotic species?
• How do environmental factors influence neutralistic relationships?

Related terms

Mutualism: A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Commensalism: A type of symbiosis where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Parasitism: A type of symbiosis where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.