托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating behavior in the animal kingdom called 'tool use.' While many people think tool use is unique to humans, several animals have developed remarkable abilities to use objects in their environment to solve problems. However, the key point I want to make is that tool use in animals is not just a simple, instinctive action—it often involves a level of flexibility and learning that suggests advanced cognitive abilities. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the New Caledonian crow. These birds are known to fashion hooks from twigs and leaves to extract insects from hard-to-reach crevices. What's remarkable is that they don't just use any twig; they actively modify the material, shaping it to fit the specific situation. Moreover, young crows learn this skill by observing adults, and they improve with practice. Second, think about the sea otter. Sea otters use rocks to crack open shellfish. They will float on their backs, place a rock on their chest, and smash the shell against it. Interestingly, they choose rocks of appropriate size and weight, and they may store a favorite rock under their arm for repeated use. Both examples show that tool use is not random but involves decision-making and adaptation.