托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use.' While many people think tool use is unique to humans, several animal species demonstrate this ability in clever ways. However, the key point is that animals don't use tools instinctively; they learn through observation and practice, often adapting their techniques to specific problems. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters eat clams, but their shells are hard to crack. An otter will float on its back, place a stone on its chest, and then smash the clam against the stone. Interestingly, young otters watch their mothers do this and then practice repeatedly. They also choose stones of different sizes depending on the hardness of the clam shell. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows make tools by trimming leaves or twigs to create hooked probes. They use these hooks to extract insects from tree bark. What's remarkable is that crows in different regions have slightly different tool-making styles, which suggests they learn from local group traditions, not just genetics. So, in both cases, tool use is a learned behavior, shaped by observation and environmental demands.