Listen to part of a lecture in a biology class. The professor is discussing the behavior of certain birds.
"Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating behavior known as mobbing, which is observed in many bird species. Mobbing occurs when smaller birds collectively attack or harass a larger predator, such as an owl or a hawk, to drive it away from their territory or nesting area. This behavior might seem risky, but it offers several benefits. First, it can protect the birds' eggs and chicks from being eaten. Second, mobbing alerts other birds in the area to the presence of danger, increasing the chances of survival for the whole community. However, mobbing is not without costs. The birds expend energy and may even be injured if the predator retaliates. Interestingly, studies have shown that mobbing is more intense when the predator is perched and less intense when it is flying, possibly because a perched predator is more likely to pose a threat to a specific nest. So, while mobbing appears aggressive, it's actually a calculated strategy for survival."
❓ Pregunta What is the main purpose of mobbing behavior in birds, according to the professor?
A. To practice flying skills against predators
B. To protect eggs and chicks and warn other birds
C. To establish dominance within the bird community
D. To attract mates by showing bravery
✅ Respuesta correcta
To protect eggs and chicks and warn other birds
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
