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 objects to get food—it can also serve social purposes. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the chimpanzee. In some groups, males will pick up a large stick and drag it noisily through the forest. This isn't for hunting; it's a display of dominance. The louder the sound, the more attention it gets from the females and the more respect from other males. Second, take the bottlenose dolphin. In Shark Bay, Australia, female dolphins have been observed carrying large sea sponges on their beaks. This behavior is passed from mothers to daughters. The sponge protects their beaks while foraging on the seabed, which is a practical function. So, as you can see, tool use in animals can range from social signaling to practical foraging.