Barnacles and whales have a commensalistic relationship in which barnacles benefit. What would most likely happen to the whale population if the barnacle population decreased?

Question

become extinct
decrease
increase
stay the same

Answer 1

The whale population would most likely stay the same if the barnacle population decreased. This is because the barnacles are not essential for the survival of the whales, and there are other sources of food available for them. The decrease in barnacles may even have a positive effect on the whales, as they would have less drag and therefore may be able to swim more efficiently.