托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating phenomenon in animal behavior called 'tool use,' which is not limited to primates or birds but also appears in certain marine animals. The main point I want to make is that tool use in marine animals is often adaptive, meaning it helps them solve specific problems in their environment, and it can be learned rather than purely instinctive. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters float on their backs and use rocks to crack open hard-shelled clams. They will place the rock on their chest and smash the clam against it. This behavior is not innate; mothers teach their pups by providing them with practice clams and demonstrating the technique. Second, think about the veined octopus. This octopus collects coconut shell halves from the ocean floor, carries them under its body, and then assembles them into a shelter when it needs protection from predators. This is a clever use of found objects, and researchers have observed that octopuses select and transport these shells deliberately, showing planning and flexibility. So, both examples illustrate that tool use in marine animals is a learned, problem-solving behavior that enhances their survival.