托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, many people think tool use is unique to humans, but in fact, several animal species have been observed using tools to solve problems. The key point is that these animals don't just use any object; they select and modify objects to achieve a specific goal. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters often eat hard-shelled clams. To crack them open, they will find a rock that fits comfortably in their paw, then float on their backs, place the rock on their chests, and smash the clam against it. They even keep their favorite rock tucked under their arm for repeated use. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows are known for making tools from leaves. They will tear a strip from a tough leaf, then shape it into a hook to fish out insects from tree bark. They don't just grab any leaf; they carefully choose the right material and modify it. So, as you can see, tool use in animals is not accidental but involves deliberate selection and modification.