consorte

Consortism is classified into four types according to the benefit derived by the consortes: 1. If it is voluntary with mutual benefit but not asymmetrical or damaging to either consorte, it is mutualism. 2. Commensalism is a voluntary asymmetrical consortism in which one organism is benefited with no appreciable benefit or damage to the partner. 3. Parasitism is an involuntary consortism with progressive asymmetrical damage to one for the benefit of the other. 4. Predation is a nonsymbiotic consortism with damage to one for the benefit of the other.