托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'behavioral flexibility.' This refers to an animal's ability to adjust its behavior to new or changing circumstances, which is crucial for survival. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the urban raccoon. In the wild, raccoons typically forage near water sources, catching fish and frogs. But in cities, they have learned to adapt. They now raid garbage cans, open latches on dumpsters, and even navigate busy streets at night to find food. This adaptation shows how they modify their natural instincts to thrive in a human-dominated environment. Second, think about the octopus. Octopuses are known for their problem-solving skills. In one study, an octopus learned to unscrew a jar lid to get food. When the researchers placed the same octopus in a new tank with different hiding spots, it quickly memorized escape routes and used them to avoid predators. These examples illustrate that behavioral flexibility isn't just about changing habits; it's about innovating solutions to survive in unpredictable environments.