What type of relationship exists between whales and barnacles?
commensalistic relationship
As we continue in our imaginary deep-sea voyage, we may observe the commensalistic relationship that exists between barnacles and humpback whales. Commensalism happens when one species lives with, on, or in another species, known as the host. The host species neither benefits nor is harmed from the relationship.
How are barnacles commensalism?
Barnacles and whales have a different type of symbiotic relationship that is known as commensalism. Barnacles feed by attaching themselves to a whale’s belly or back, allowing the species to then eat microorganisms as the whale swims.
Do barnacles protect whales?
On the plus side, the barnacles can actually protect the whales, like a suit of armor. Gray whales have been known to roll over when under attack from other whales, presenting their enemies with a back covered in hard, spiny, immovable soldiers.
Do humpback whales have a symbiotic relationship?
Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species will benefit while not affecting the other species in a positive or negative way. The relationship between Humpback Whales and marine birds is an excellent example of commensalism.
Are whales and barnacles commensalism?
In the case of barnacles and whales, only the barnacles benefit from attaching to the whales, but at no biological cost to the whale. This type of symbiotic relationship is known as commensalism.
How do barnacles get attached to whales?
Once they’re satisfied with their location, the barnacles dig in — literally. As they mature into adults, they form tube-shaped cavities in their shells that actually draw in prongs of growing whale skin. The result is an attachment as firmly rooted as the most pernicious weed.
Do whale lice hurt whales?
While hitching a ride, these crustaceans munch on algae and whale skin. Although that might sound like an undesirable situation for a whale, some researchers believe there is no proof that whale lice are damaging to whales, and thus have more of a commensal relationship with their hosts, like barnacles.
What is the relationship between barnacles and snails?
When snails detect the presence of green crabs, they spend less time foraging on barnacles and more time hiding in cracks and crevices of their rocky habitat. The result: snails avoid predation, and so do the barnacles!
Are whales and barnacles Commensalism?
Do barnacles attach to humpback whales?
Barnacles regularly colonize the skin of filter-feeding whales, and they often do so in huge numbers — one humpback whale, for instance, can host almost 1,000 pounds of barnacles.
What is the relationship between Remora and shark?
The remora removes parasites from the shark’s skin and even inside the mouth, which benefits the shark. Commensalism is when two species live together but one benefits while the other is unharmed or helped. An example of this relationship is seen with the humpback whale and the barnacle.