托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in biology: animal adaptation through behavioral changes. Specifically, I want to focus on how some animals have developed unique ways to cope with extreme temperatures. Take the desert lizard, for instance. In the scorching heat of the day, when ground temperatures can reach over 50 degrees Celsius, the lizard doesn't simply bake. Instead, it exhibits a behavior called 'thermal shuttling'—it alternates between sunny spots and shaded areas, raising and lowering its body temperature to stay within a safe range. This allows it to forage for food even during the hottest hours. Another example is the snowshoe hare. In winter, when temperatures plummet, this hare doesn't hibernate. Instead, it changes its behavior by burrowing into deep snow to create a cozy den. The snow acts as an insulator, trapping the hare's body heat and keeping it warm. Moreover, the hare reduces its activity level during the coldest periods, conserving energy. So, you see, these behavioral adaptations are just as crucial as physical ones for survival in extreme environments.