托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, tool use isn't just about using objects to get food; it also includes using objects to modify the environment in ways that benefit the animal. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters float on their backs and use a stone placed on their belly to crack open hard-shelled clams. They repeatedly smash the clam against the stone until it opens. This tool, the stone, is essential for their survival because it allows them to access a food source that would otherwise be inaccessible. Second, think about the woodpecker finch from the Galapagos Islands. This bird uses a cactus spine or a small twig to probe into tree crevices and extract insects. The finch will even modify the twig by breaking it to the right length or shape, making it more effective. So, in both cases, these animals are not just using their bodies, but they are employing objects from their environment as tools to solve a problem and obtain food, which shows a remarkable level of cognitive ability.