Question

Various relationships exist between the species of a community. Identify the relationship between the species of a community described.
Barnacles attach to a whale's skin. The moving water carries food particles to the barnacles while the whale is neither harmed nor helped.

• A. Mutualism
• B. Commensalism
• C. Predation
• D. Competition
• E. Parasitism

Answer 1

The correct option is B Commensalism

A. Mutualism is a relationship between two or more organisms in which all are benefitted by one another.

B. Commensalism is a relationship between two different organisms in which one is always benefitted while the other is neither benefitted nor harmed.

C. Predation describes the eating of one species by other.

D. Competition is a rivalry between two or more organisms for obtaining the same resources such as food, shelter, etc.

E. Parasitism is an interaction between two individuals where the parasite gets the benefit at the expense of the host.

Hence, when Barnacles attach to a whale's skin and the moving water carries food particles to the barnacles while the whale is neither harmed nor helped, this shows commensalism.

So, the correct answer is 'Commensalism'.