托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use'. Now, tool use isn't just about using an object to achieve a goal; it often involves modifying the object to better suit the task. This shows a higher level of cognitive ability. Let me give you two clear examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters eat shellfish like clams and crabs. They dive to the ocean floor and pick up a clam, but they can't crack it open with their teeth. So, they also find a large, flat rock. They then float on their backs, place the rock on their chests, and smash the clam against it until it breaks open. The otter doesn't just use any rock; it selects one that is smooth and heavy enough to be effective. Second, think about the woodpecker finch, a bird that lives in the Galapagos Islands. This bird feeds on insects that live inside tree bark. Its beak is not long enough to reach the insects. So, it breaks off a small cactus spine or a twig, holds it in its beak, and uses it to poke into the bark and probe for insects. If the spine is too long or has branches, the finch will shorten it or remove the branches to make it more effective. In both cases, the animals are not just using tools; they are actively selecting and modifying them to solve a specific problem.