托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'behavioral thermoregulation.' This is when animals actively adjust their behavior to control their body temperature, rather than relying solely on physical adaptations like fur or fat. The main point is that behavior can be just as important as physiology in helping animals survive in extreme environments. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the desert lizard. In the scorching heat of the day, the lizard will alternate between basking in the sun to warm up and retreating into the shade or burrows to cool down. By moving between these microhabitats, it maintains an optimal body temperature for hunting and digestion. Second, think about emperor penguins in Antarctica. During the brutal winter, they huddle together in large groups. Penguins on the outside constantly push toward the center, so everyone takes turns being on the cold outer edge. This rotating behavior reduces heat loss and helps the whole colony survive temperatures that can drop to minus 50 degrees Celsius.