What is the term for a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is harmed?

The term that describes a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is harmed is parasitism. In a parasitic relationship, the parasite derives benefits such as nourishment or shelter at the expense of the host, which experiences some form of harm or detriment. This can manifest in various ways, including causing disease, consuming the host's resources, or even leading to the host's death in some instances.

Mutualism refers to a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit, while commensalism involves one organism benefiting without affecting the other. Synergism describes interactions that lead to enhanced effects when two or more organisms work together, but not in a way that describes one benefiting at the expense of another. Thus, understanding parasitism as a relationship of exploitation helps clarify its unique dynamics in ecological interactions.