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 get food; it can also serve a protective function. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the veined octopus. This clever creature lives in sandy areas where it's vulnerable to predators. To protect itself, it picks up coconut shells that have washed into the ocean. It carries these shells under its body, and when threatened, it quickly assembles them into a makeshift shelter, hiding inside until the danger passes. Second, think about the Egyptian vulture. This bird eats ostrich eggs, which have very thick shells. To break them open, the vulture picks up a stone in its beak and repeatedly hammers the egg until it cracks. This is a clear case of using a tool to access a food source. So, you can see that tool use in animals can serve different purposes, from defense to obtaining food.