托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating behavior in the animal kingdom called 'tool use.' Now, tool use isn't just about using an object to get food—it often involves modifying the object to make it more effective. 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. But they don't just pick any rock—they choose a flat stone and keep it tucked under their arm. They even carry this favorite rock with them while hunting. This shows they select and retain tools over time. Second, think about the woodpecker finch from the Galapagos Islands. This bird uses cactus spines to probe for insects in tree bark. When it finds a spine that's too long, it breaks it to a suitable length. And if a spine gets bent, the finch will turn it around and use the other end. So both animals demonstrate not just using objects, but adapting them for a specific purpose. This suggests that tool use in animals involves planning and problem-solving, not just instinct.