托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating phenomenon in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, tool use is not just about using an object to achieve a goal—it also involves modifying the object to make it more effective. This ability was once thought to be uniquely human, but we now know many animals do it. Let me give you two clear examples. First, consider the New Caledonian crow. These crows are known to create tools by trimming leaves and twigs to make hooks. They carefully shape a twig to catch insects from tree bark. This modification shows planning and understanding of cause and effect. Second, think about sea otters. They use rocks to crack open shellfish, but they don't just grab any rock. They select a suitable stone and sometimes keep it under their arm for repeated use. They may even adjust their technique based on the size of the shell. So, in both cases, the animals are not simply using objects passively—they are actively altering or choosing them to improve their efficiency.