What is the commensalism relationship between whales and barnacles?

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. In this case, attaching to the whales gives the barnacles a stable place to live, a free ride, and access to plenty of food.

What type of relationship exists between whales and barnacles?

Commensalism
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.

Is barnacles on a whale an example of mutualism?

Barnacles growing on the back of the whale is an example of commensalism. It is a type of symbiotic relationship. Interspecific interactions can be beneficial or harmful. The interacting species can either be benefitted or unaffected or have a negative effect.

Are barnacles commensalism?

MORE ON THIS: The relationship between these barnacles and humpback whales is an example of commensalism, where one species benefits and the other is unaffected. The barnacle benefits from this relationship because it is provided with a place to live and filter food.

Which type of symbiotic relationship do barnacles that are attached to a large migrating whale represent?

Whale barnacles typically attach to baleen whales and have a commensal relationship–the barnacle benefits and the whale is neither helped nor harmed.

Why commensalism is evident in sharks and barnacles?

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.

What does barnacles do to whales?

They don’t harm the whales or feed on the whales, like true parasites do. Barnacles don’t serve any obvious advantage to the whales, but they give helpful lice a place to hang onto the whale without getting washed away by water. Barnacles find the slow-swimming gray whale a good ride through nutrient-rich ocean waters.

What do barnacles do to whales?

What is a good example of commensalism?

One of the best-known examples of a commensal is the remora (family Echineidae) that rides attached to sharks and other fishes. Remoras have evolved on the top of their heads a flat oval sucking disk structure that adheres to the bodies of their hosts.

Do barnacles protect whales?

The Whale’s Perspective On some whales, too many barnacles can cause drag. Minor skin irritations or infections may arise. On the plus side, the barnacles can actually protect the whales, like a suit of armor.

Do barnacles harm whales?

What are examples of commensalism in the desert?

An example of commensalism in the desert is the cactus wren and the cactus. The cactus wren benefits from the cactus by building its nest around the cactus, protecting its young. The cactus is not affected or damaged by the cactus wren, though.

What animals in the desert have a commensalism relationship?

Bees and Cacti, mutualism. Coyote and Fruit, mutualism. Cactus wren and Cholla Cactus, commensalism. Fringe-Toed Lizard and Desert Rat, commensalism.