Can you tell the age of a whale by the number of barnacles on its skin?

No, you cannot tell the age of a whale by the number of barnacles on its skin. While barnacles can grow on whales and their skin can be used to study the movements and behavior of the whale, they are not an accurate indicator of age. Barnacles can attach themselves to a whale at any point in its life, so counting them is not a reliable way to determine the age of a whale. Additionally, the number of barnacles on a whale's skin can vary based on factors such as the whale's location, diet, and behavior.

To determine the age of a whale, researchers typically use a combination of methods such as examining the growth layers in its earwax or teeth, as well as measuring its length and observing physical characteristics such as the condition of its skin and eyes.