托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating phenomenon in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, I want to clarify that tool use is not just limited to primates or birds like crows. In fact, some marine animals also use tools, and this challenges our traditional understanding of intelligence. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters often float on their backs and use a stone resting on their chest to crack open shellfish like clams or crabs. They select a suitable stone and may carry it with them for many dives. This shows planning and the ability to use an object as a tool to obtain food. Second, think about the octopus. Some species of octopus, like the veined octopus, have been observed carrying coconut shell halves. They assemble these shells into a shelter or use them as a protective armor when moving across the seafloor. This behavior is particularly remarkable because it shows foresight—the octopus collects the shells for future use, not just for an immediate need. So, as you can see, tool use is not confined to land animals; marine creatures also exhibit this advanced cognitive ability, which suggests that intelligence can evolve in very different environments.