Barnacles growing on the back of whale is an example for

Options

A. Mutualism
B. Commensalism
C. Parasitism
D. Amensalism

Answer

To determine the type of ecological relationship represented by barnacles growing on the back of a whale, we can analyze the options provided: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism, and amensalism. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Organisms Involved**:
- Barnacles are small marine organisms that attach themselves to surfaces, including the skin of whales.
- Whales are large marine mammals that swim through the ocean.

2. **Identify the Relationship**:
- The barnacles benefit from this relationship by gaining access to food and protection as they travel with the whale.
- The whale, on the other hand, does not gain any benefit from the barnacles, nor does it suffer any harm.

3. **Evaluate the Options**:
- **Mutualism**: This is a relationship where both organisms benefit. In this case, the whale does not benefit, so this option is incorrect.
- **Commensalism**: This is a relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This fits the barnacle-whale relationship, as the barnacle benefits while the whale remains unaffected.
- **Parasitism**: In this relationship, one organism benefits at the expense of the other. Since the whale is not harmed, this option is incorrect.
- **Amensalism**: This involves one organism being harmed while the other is unaffected. Since the whale is not harmed, this option is also incorrect.

4. **Conclude the Correct Answer**:
- Based on the analysis, the relationship between barnacles and whales is best described as **commensalism**. The barnacles benefit from the whale, while the whale is unaffected.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **commensalism**.

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