epizoism
/ˌɛpɪˈzoʊɪzəm/
noun
- A relationship in which one organism lives on the body of another organism without being a parasite, typically for transportation or protection.
- Scientists study epizoism to understand how species interact without harming each other.
- The barnacles on a whale's skin are a classic example of epizoism.
- Epizoism allows small creatures to travel long distances by hitching a ride on larger animals.