Do Barnacles Benefit Whales? Exploring Their Relationship

Discover how barnacles interact with whales and the impacts on their relationship in this informative video.

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Whales do not benefit from barnacles. Barnacles attach themselves to whales, benefiting from a free ride and access to nutrient-rich waters. However, this relationship is mainly one-sided. While barnacles do not significantly harm whales, their presence can create drag, potentially causing slight energy expenditure when the whale swims.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Do barnacles harm whales? Barnacles do not significantly harm whales, although they can create drag and slightly increase energy expenditure during swimming.
  2. What do barnacles benefit from their relationship with whales? Barnacles benefit by attaching themselves to whales, gaining a free ride and access to nutrient-rich waters for feeding.
  3. How do barnacles attach to whales? Barnacles use a strong adhesive to attach themselves to the skin of whales, where they stay for most of their lives.
  4. Are barnacles a common sight on whales? Yes, barnacles are commonly found on many species of whales, often seen on their skin and flippers.

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