托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about how animals use camouflage not just to hide from predators, but also to communicate with each other. One fascinating example is the cuttlefish. These creatures can rapidly change their skin color and texture to blend into their surroundings, but they also use this ability to send signals. For instance, when a male cuttlefish wants to court a female, it will display a pulsating pattern of stripes on one side of its body, while keeping the other side camouflaged to avoid attracting predators. This way, it can attract a mate without becoming an easy target. Another example is the peacock mantis shrimp. These shrimp use bright, colorful spots on their bodies to warn rivals of their aggressive nature. When two mantis shrimps meet, they display these vivid colors to intimidate each other, often avoiding a physical fight. So, you see, camouflage in these animals is not just about hiding; it's a sophisticated tool for social interaction as well.