Question

What common characteristic do phoresy and inquilinism share as types of commensalism?

Options

• Both involve the exchange of genetic material between organisms

• Both require the host to actively participate in the commensal's survival

• Both involve the commensal obtaining something from the host's body or structure

• Both result in the host organism developing new physical features

Answer 1

Both phoresy and inquilinism involve the commensal utilizing the host's body or structure to its advantage. In phoresy, the commensal attaches for transport; in inquilinism, it uses the host's body as shelter. Despite their differences, both rely on the commensal benefiting directly from physical association with the host, while the host remains completely unaffected.