托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about how some animals have evolved to survive in extreme environments, specifically focusing on the concept of 'behavioral thermoregulation.' This is when animals adjust their behavior to control their body temperature, rather than relying solely on physiological adaptations like sweating or shivering. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the desert lizard. In the scorching heat of the desert, the lizard can't stay out in the sun all day. So it alternates between sunbathing to warm up and retreating into the shade or burrows to cool down. By doing this, it keeps its body temperature within a safe range. Second, think about the marine iguana in the Galapagos. These iguanas feed on algae in the cold ocean water. After diving, their body temperature drops significantly. To recover, they bask on the black volcanic rocks, which absorb heat quickly, raising their body temperature back to a level where they can digest food and function properly. So, behavioral thermoregulation is a key survival strategy.