Whales are known to be gentle giants of the sea. But did you know that these massive creatures can be affected by something as small as a barnacle?
If you want to find out more latest news, knowledge or collection of articles and see our other top picks for the best sites, Tweetalibrarian is site for you.
Barnacles are small, crustacean creatures that attach themselves to the hulls of ships, rocks, and, in some cases, whales. While they may seem harmless, barnacles can actually have a significant impact on a whale’s behavior.
For one, barnacles can cause a whale to swim differently. As they attach themselves to a whale’s skin, they can create drag and resistance that the whale must overcome. This can make it more difficult for the whale to swim, and may even cause it to swim in a different pattern than it normally would.
In addition, barnacles can also affect a whale’s feeding habits. As the barnacles attach themselves to the whale’s skin, they can create sores and open wounds. These wounds can become infected, and can make it difficult for the whale to eat. In some cases, the barnacles can even block the whale’s blowhole, making it difficult for the whale to breathe.
While barnacles may seem like a minor nuisance, they can actually have a major impact on a whale’s behavior. If you see a whale with barnacles on its skin, be sure to give it some extra space, as it may be swimming a bit differently than usual.
Most barnacles are filter feeders, meaning they strain microscopic food particles out of the water passing by them. Barnacles attach themselves to hard surfaces, including the shells of turtles, the hulls of ships, and the skin of whales. While a barnacle-covered ship may not be able to swim as fast as a clean one, the effect on a whale is much more dramatic.
Whales are constantly swimming, and as they move through the water, barnacles on their skin scrape off layers of their protective blubber. This not only causes the whale to lose valuable body heat, but also makes the animal more susceptible to infection. In addition, the barnacles can irritate the whale’s skin, causing the animal to scratch itself on rocks or other hard surfaces. This can lead to open wounds that can become infected.
The barnacles also affect the whale’s behavior in other ways. For example, a whale with barnacles on its tail will have difficulty swimming and may even become stranded on beaches.
While barnacles may seem like a minor nuisance, they can have a major impact on the health and behavior of whales.
