Which term refers to an association where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed?

The term that describes an association where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed is commensalism. In this type of relationship, one species gains an advantage, such as food, shelter, or support, while the other species remains unaffected. A common example of commensalism can be seen in barnacles attaching themselves to whales; the barnacles benefit from the mobility provided by the whale while the whale does not experience either positive or negative effects from the barnacles being there.

In contrast, mutualism is a relationship where both species benefit, as seen when bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar. Parasitism involves one organism benefiting at the expense of another, like ticks feeding on their hosts. Competition refers to the struggle between organisms for the same resources, which usually has negative effects on both parties involved. Thus, the distinction of one benefiting without affecting the other characterizes commensalism accurately.