托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in biology called 'mimicry.' Specifically, I want to focus on how certain animals use mimicry not just to hide from predators, but to actively attract prey. This is known as aggressive mimicry. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the alligator snapping turtle. It has a worm-like appendage on its tongue that it wiggles to attract fish. When a fish comes close to investigate what it thinks is a tasty worm, the turtle snaps its jaws shut and catches the fish. The appendage mimics a food source, not a threat. Second, think of the bolas spider. This spider produces a single sticky thread with a glob of silk at the end, which releases a chemical that mimics the pheromone of a female moth. Male moths, attracted by the scent, fly toward the spider. As they approach, the spider swings its sticky 'bolas' to catch the moth. In both cases, the predator mimics something that the prey finds attractive—either food or a mate—to lure it into striking distance.