Editing Commensalism (section)

== Arguments ==

Whether the relationship between humans and some types of [[gut flora]] is commensal or [[Mutualism (biology)|mutualistic]] is still unanswered.

Some biologists argue that any close interaction between two organisms is unlikely to be completely neutral for either party, and that relationships identified as commensal are likely [[Mutualism (biology)|mutualistic]] or [[parasitism|parasitic]] in a subtle way that has not been detected. For example, [[epiphytes]] are "nutritional pirates" that may intercept substantial amounts of nutrients that would otherwise go to the host plant.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Benzing DH | date = 1980 | title = Biology of the Bromeliads | location = [[Eureka, California]] | publisher = Mad River Press}}{{page needed|date=September 2014}}</ref> Large numbers of epiphytes can also cause tree limbs to break or shade the host plant and reduce its rate of photosynthesis. Similarly, phoretic mites may hinder their host by making flight more difficult, which may affect its aerial hunting ability or cause it to expend extra energy while carrying these passengers.{{cn|date=June 2024}}