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 is not just about using objects to get food—it's about modifying or manipulating an object to achieve a goal. And this ability was once thought to be uniquely human. But research has shown that several animal species also use tools, and they do so in surprisingly clever ways. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters feed on hard-shelled clams and crabs. To break these open, they will float on their backs, place a rock on their chests, and then smash the shell against the rock. They even choose the right size and shape of rock for the job. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows are famous for making hooks. They take a twig and strip leaves from it, then bend the end to create a hook. They use this hooked twig to pull insects out of holes in trees. So, both otters and crows demonstrate that animals can not only use tools but also adapt them to their needs.