DENDROLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Commensalism is a relationship which is beneficial to one organism and the other is unaffected. Barnacles growing on the back of a whale, gets protection and more access to food due to its relationship with the whale, while the whale is unaffected by this relationship therefore this relationship is commensalism.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -As we continue in our imaginary deep-sea voyage, we may observe the commensalistic relationship that exists between barnacles and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Commensalism happens when one species lives with, on, or in another species, known as the host.

Detailed explanation-4: -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.