托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in biology: 'behavioral thermoregulation.' Simply put, it's how animals actively adjust their body temperature by changing their behavior, rather than relying solely on internal physiological mechanisms. This is crucial for survival, as maintaining an optimal temperature allows animals to function efficiently. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the desert iguana. During the hottest part of the day, the ground becomes scorching. To avoid overheating, the iguana climbs onto rocks or low branches, where the air is cooler. By elevating itself off the hot ground, it reduces heat absorption. Second, think about the honeybee. In a hive, bees maintain a constant temperature. When the hive gets too hot, worker bees collect water and spread it over the comb, then fan their wings to create evaporation, which cools the hive. When it's too cold, they cluster together and shiver their flight muscles to generate heat. These behaviors show how animals actively manage their body temperature to survive in their environments.