Blasted Barnacles Trivia Quiz

Answer: Commensalism

There are three types of relationships between two separate species.

A parasitic relationship is one in which one species lives in or on another species, and in order for the first to survive it can cause damage or even death to the other species. Mistletoe lives on trees, taking water and nutrients, weakening them.

Mutualism would be honeybees and flowers, where the bees obtain nectar and the flowers are pollinated; thus, both benefit from the relationship.

Commensalism does neither - the barnacle gets nutrients and a free ride. The whale gets no benefit.

Answer: It zombifies crabs.

If you laughed and said "It zombifies crabs", *Ding*! You are correct! This tiny critter lands on an unsuspecting crab, wiggles its way through any opening, and proceeds to take over, literally, even to altering a male crab to female to better care for the barnacle's eggs. Parasitism on a grand scale!

Answer: Johnny Flynn

Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit are a folk-rock group from London. Under the Transgressive Records label, their second album "Been Listening" includes this song. It was released in 2010.

Answer: Goose/Gooseneck Barnacles

Goose Barnacles were so called because their shape and coloring were similar to a goose head and neck. This led to an early belief that, since no one had ever seen a goose nesting, they must have sprung from the barnacle. Consequently, there is now a goose referred to as a Barnacle Goose. But wait! There's more! Because it was believed that the goose sprang from the barnacle, it was assumed the goose was, in fact, fish, and thus could be eaten on days such as Friday when abstinence from meat was required...

Answer: Barnacle Bill the Sailor

The cartoon was entitled "Beware of Barnacle Bill", and the character Bluto played the part of Barnacle Bill. Yes, Popeye defeats Barnacle Bill/Bluto with his can of spinach, and then dumps Olive Oyl for her fickleness.

There are a number of versions of this drinking song, originally known as "Bollocky Bill the Sailor", based on an even earlier folk tune, "Abraham Brown". Suffice it to say, Popeye's version is probably the most sanitized. Most versions would be X-rated!

Answer: SpongeBob SquarePants

Barnacle Boy is the sidekick of Mermaid Man, older retired superheroes residing in a retirement home in Bikini Bottom, home to SpongeBob SquarePants. Mermaid Man is a parody of AquaMan.

Answer: No

Barnacle crystals have nothing to do with the sea creature, but are named for its practice of attaching itself to another object. In this case, smaller crystals grow on larger ones. Metaphysically speaking, the larger crystals are "Old Souls" and the smaller crystals are often referred to as "New Souls". Some beliefs hold that the larger crystals are the person, and the smaller attachments are just that - attachments made during one's life, but which are separate from the person. While meditating, using the barnacle quartz is said to help one discern these separations.

Answer: Dr. Who

Bobby the Zygon finds himself trapped in a freak show after his ship crashes in the English Channel. He attempts an escape with the help of Queen Victoria in this highly rated drama from Anthony Keetch for BBV's "Audio Adventures in Time and Space".

Answer: Aging

Known as "Barnacles of Aging", these raised growths which resemble warts or moles usually develop after the age of 50. They may go away on their own, otherwise unless they occur in areas where they could be irritated, it is best to just leave them alone.

Answer: Spiders and scorpions

Believe it or not, barnacles are in the same phylum, Arthropoda, as spiders and scorpions. However, there are several subphyla within this phylum. Barnacles are Crustacea, class Maxillopoda, spiders are Chelicerata, class Arachnida. Arthropoda includes an incredible number of subphyla and classes, including insects, centipedes, shrimp, crabs - it is believed to account for over 80% of known animal species.