EVERYDAY SCIENCE

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: -Barnacles (balanus glandula) are sticky little crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. Those aren’t dragon claws-they’re gooseneck barnacles! These filter feeders are found in the rocky tide pools of Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

Detailed explanation-4: -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-5: -The simplest example of commensalism is a bird making a nest in a tree. The tree provides shelter and protection to the bird without getting significantly harmed or affected by the bird. Another typical example is the cattle egrets (birds) that feed upon the insects stirred up by the feeding cattle.