托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'cooperative hunting.' This is when animals work together to catch prey, and it's not just limited to large predators like lions or wolves. In fact, some smaller animals use clever teamwork to overcome their physical limitations. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the humpback whale. These whales hunt schools of fish by swimming in a circle and blowing bubbles, creating a 'bubble net' that traps the fish in a tight cluster. Then, they take turns swimming through the cluster with their mouths open, feeding efficiently. This strategy requires coordination and communication among the whales. Second, think of the common raven. Ravens sometimes hunt in pairs. When they spot a potential prey, like a young rabbit, one raven distracts the parent rabbit by pecking at its tail, while the other sneaks in to grab the baby. This division of labor increases their success rate significantly. So, as you can see, cooperative hunting isn't just about strength—it's about strategy and social coordination.