In the depths of the sea, there is a mysterious and surprising world that hides many unexplored mysteries. However, in this vast blue field,There is a seemingly small but threatening "sojourner".They call whales and turtles home, sparking an incredible interaction between tiny creatures and giant life.
When you approach the rocks by the sea or the ships moored in the harbor, if you have a phobia of denseness, you may avoid places overgrown with strange creatures. These creatures are barnacles.
They resemble a group of miniature volcanoes, arranged in the shape of small white cones, close to each other.
Barnacles are special arthropods in the ocean, and are distantly related to shrimp, crabs, and horseshoe crabs. In their juvenile years, they can swim freely in the seawater.
But when they reach adulthood, they choose to be anchored somewhere with a strong glue, using their feathery cranberry feet to catch plankton. Their shells are made of multiple calcareous shell plates, which protect their soft bodies from damage.
The barnacle's shell mouth is fitted with a pair of movable dorsal and canopy plates that can be opened or closed to allow the vine foot to extend or retract. They perceive their surroundings primarily through their sense of touch and use their man-footed to perceive by touch.
In addition, they have some simple eyes that can sense changes in light. When the surroundings are darkened, they pause foraging and retract their cranhopods into their shells.
Barnacles date back to the Middle Cambrian period about 500 million years ago and are one of the oldest organisms on Earth. They are divided into about 1220 species and belong to three different general orders:Certain, Root, and Perithoracic orders.
Barnacles of the Sharp-chested General Order are the most primitive, their shells are small, only a few millimeters in size. These little ones will burrow into the shells of other creatures or form small holes in the rocks and live a low-key life.
Barnacles of the root order are the most special group, they are parasites. The larvae of these guys live in the bodies of crustaceans such as crabs, absorbing nutrients from the host through their roots. The adult body has completely lost its shell and vine feet, leaving only a sac-like *** official, and the lifestyle can be described as unique.
Barnacles are the most common type of bib. Their shells are relatively large, ranging in size from a few centimeters to tens of centimeters. This type of barnacle can be divided into two main categories: sessile and sessile.
Stemmed barnacles possess a long, muscular stalk that can be attached to the base. Their shells resemble flower inflorescences, and some varieties are even considered delicious seafood by humans, such as gooseneck barnacles.
Sessile barnacles are attached directly to the substrate, and their shell mouths are conical. The most common of these barnacles, such as reticulated barnacles and barnacles, can be found in a variety of marine environments.
Barnacles, these marine arthropods, live on food and oxygen brought by currents. Their larvae float freely in the seawater, looking for an ideal place to settle. Typically, barnacles choose hard, rough, moderately current places such as rocks, wood, or the hull of a boat.
But there are some drawbacks to these options, such as being easy prey for other animals, or being washed away by the sea. As a result, barnacles look for special substrates, such as large marine animals such as whales or turtles.
There are a lot of advantages to these behemoths.
Plenty of space and nutrition
There are many places on the body of a whale or turtle where barnacles can attach, such as dorsal fin, caudal fin, abdomen, etc. The ** or shell of these areas contains substances such as salt, fat, and oil that provide some of the nutrients needed for barnacles.
Stable water flow and temperature
The water flow on a whale or turtle is stable, bringing food and oxygen to the barnacles. In addition, their body temperature is relatively constant, providing a comfortable living environment for barnacles.
Protection and concealment.
Whales or turtles have thicker shells that protect barnacles from predation or harm from other animals. Barnacles may be similar in color and shape to the body of a whale or sea turtle, providing some concealment and reducing the risk of detection.
Barnacle larvae swim in the sea, trying to find a suitable place to settle. They rely on simple sensory organs, such as eyes and tentacles, to sense signals such as light, temperature, salinity, chemicals, and more.
When they spot a whale or turtle, they are attracted by the host's temperature, body fluids, and smell, and they swim towards the host.
The larvae look for a suitable location, such as dorsal fin, caudal fin, or abdomen, etc., and then use strong glue to glue themselves to the host's ** or shell.
This glue is a protein secreted by the head of a barnacle that can quickly solidify in the water, forming a strong structure that holds the barnacle and the host tightly together. This glue is extremely sticky and resists seawater washout and host struggles, ensuring that the barnacles are firmly attached to the host.
Once attached to the host, the larvae begin to mature. They grow calcareous shells that protect their bodies. The shell is made up of multiple plates that can be opened or closed, allowing the barnacle's vine feet to stick out or retract. Cranberry feet are feathery structures that sway in the currents of water, trapping food and oxygen.
At the same time, their organs are also fully developed and ready for reproduction. Barnacles are hermaphroditic and can reproduce on their own or mate with nearby barnacles to produce a large number of offspring.
This amazing journey of life cycle unfolds on the host, providing a safe habitat and reproduction for these little creatures.
Barnacle parasitism, although it does not directly prey on whales or turtles, can cause some negative effects on the host. Parasitism can increase the weight of whales or turtles, affecting their swimming ability and agility.
It is estimated that a humpback whale may have about 450 kilograms of barnacles on its body, which is equivalent to the weight of an adult. This extra load will cause them to expend more energy and slow down their swimming speed. The shell of barnacles also increases the friction on the surface of the host's body, increases swimming resistance, and reduces swimming efficiency.
Barnacle parasites occupy the ** surface of the host, causing discomfort and irritation. Some barnacles may have sharp edges and corners that may scratch the host's **, leading to infection and inflammation. Others may burrow into the host's shell, disrupting structure and function.
This parasitism may interfere with the normal behavior of whales or turtlesSuch as foraging, migration, mating, etc. The weight and position of barnacles can affect the host's balance and agility, causing difficulties when finding food or escaping predators. Overall, this parasitic relationship has a certain adverse effect on the life of the host.
Barnacle parasitism, although it may have some adverse effects on whales or turtles, may also have some benefits. For example, barnacle parasitism may destroy some other organisms attached to whales or turtles, such as seaweed, sea lice or leeches.
These creatures can sometimes cause more harm to their hosts, or affect their appearance and health. Barnacles' "scavenger" function may make the whale's or turtle's shell cleaner and smoother.
Barnacle parasitism may also form some special patterns and colors on the host, making the whale or turtle more recognizable by peers or researchers.
These patterns and colors may also reflect information such as the age, sex, population, or habits of a whale or sea turtle, which can help understand their ecology and behavior.
Barnacle parasitism demonstrates the interdependence and interaction of organisms, as well as the complexity and diversity of marine ecosystems.
The symbiosis of barnacles with whales or sea turtles may promote the emergence and development of some other organisms, forming a unique biome. This symbiotic relationship has the potential to have an impact on the marine ecosystem as a whole, promoting biodiversity and stability.
Barnacles coexist with whales and turtles, and perhaps have a more subtle impact on their surroundings. This subtle but intriguing interrelationship may provide clues to our understanding of how marine ecosystems work, as well as the intricate interactions between organisms.
As a result, barnacles are a nightmare for whales and turtles, but they are also an indispensable part of this colourful marine world. This little creature, with its underrated existence, adds a mysterious and wonderful chapter to the life chain of the ocean. **10,000 Fans Incentive Plan