What relationship type describes two species that occupy a similar space but neither is helped nor harmed?

The relationship described in the question is commensalism. In a commensal relationship, one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This dynamic allows two species to coexist in the same environment without negatively impacting each other's well-being. An example of commensalism could be barnacles attaching to a whale. The barnacles gain mobility and access to food-rich waters, while the whale is largely unaffected by their presence.

In contrast, mutualism involves interactions where both species benefit from the relationship, such as bees pollinating flowers while feeding on nectar. Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, such as a tick feeding on a host. Predation occurs when one species hunts and consumes another, highlighting direct harm to the prey. Understanding these relationships helps clarify how different species interact within ecosystems and the implications for biodiversity and ecological balance.