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 actually use objects to achieve goals. But what's interesting is that tool use isn't always instinctive—it often requires learning and adaptation. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters float on their backs and use rocks to crack open shellfish. They place the rock on their chest and smash the shell against it. Interestingly, a mother otter will teach her pup which rocks are suitable and how to use them. The pup observes and practices, gradually improving its technique. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows are famous for making hooks from twigs or leaves to extract insects from tree bark. They don't just pick any twig; they carefully select and modify one, even bending it into a hook. This behavior is not innate—young crows learn by watching older crows and through trial and error. So, in both cases, tool use is a learned skill that is passed on and refined within a population.