Listen to part of a lecture in a biology class. The professor is discussing animal communication.
Professor: Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating aspect of animal behavior: communication. While many animals use vocal sounds, some rely heavily on visual signals. For example, the peacock's elaborate tail is a classic visual display used to attract mates. But visual signals have a drawback—they require light and a clear line of sight. In dense forests or murky waters, visual signals are less effective. That's where chemical signals come in. Many insects, like ants and moths, release pheromones—chemical substances that can travel long distances and persist in the environment. These chemicals can convey messages about food sources, danger, or reproductive readiness. Interestingly, some animals combine multiple modes. Take the honeybee, for instance. Its famous waggle dance is visual, but it also produces vibrational signals that travel through the honeycomb. This multimodal approach ensures the message gets through even if one channel fails. So, the key takeaway is that evolution has shaped communication to be as efficient as possible in specific habitats.
❓ 문제 What is the main point the professor makes about animal communication?
A. A. Visual signals are always the most effective form of communication.
B. B. Chemical signals are only used by insects.
C. C. Different environments favor different types of communication signals.
D. D. The honeybee's waggle dance is purely vibrational.
✅ 정답
C. Different environments favor different types of communication signals.
TOEFL Listening Tips
Skim the questions first to predict the content
Watch for signal words in lectures and conversations (however, actually, in fact)
For main idea questions, focus on the beginning; for detail questions, focus on examples and data
For attitude questions, pay attention to the speaker's tone and word choice
Take notes on keywords; don't try to write down every word
