The type of symbiotic relationship that benefits one organism without affecting the other is known as commensalism. In this interaction, one species gains benefits such as food, shelter, or support, while the other neither helps nor harms its partner. An example of this can be seen in barnacles that attach themselves to whales; barnacles receive transportation and access to nutrient-rich waters, while the whale remains largely unaffected. Understanding commensalism is essential in studying ecosystems and species interactions, as it exemplifies the diverse ways organisms can coexist.