Both species are benefiting (mutualism) One species hunts and kills the other species (predator/prey) Both species compete for shared resources (competition) One species benefits and the other is not affected (commensalism) Humpback whales are lunge feeders, filtering thousands of krill from seawater and swallowing them alive. Krill are found in swarms which allow them to confuse some of their predators. During the day krill swim deeper in the ocean than at night. Humpback whales feed primarily in the summer months and depend on fat reserves for energy in the winter months.
The relationship between humpback whales and krill can be described as mutualism. Both species benefit from their interaction. Humpback whales prey on krill, which provides them with a food source to sustain their energy needs. On the other hand, krill benefit from the swarming behavior that confuses their predators, allowing them to survive and reproduce.
This relationship can also be seen as predator/prey. Humpback whales hunt and kill krill as their main prey. The whales are the predators, while the krill are the prey.
Furthermore, there is competition between humpback whales and other species that rely on krill as a food source. As humpback whales feed on krill, they are competing with other animals, such as other whale species, seabirds, and fish, for the limited amount of krill available in their ecosystem.
Commensalism, where one species benefits and the other is unaffected, does not apply to the relationship between humpback whales and krill since both species are interacting directly and impacting each other's populations.
In summary, the relationship between humpback whales and krill involves mutualism and predator/prey dynamics, while also including competition with other species for shared resources.