托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in biology called 'mimicry'—specifically, how certain animals have evolved to imitate other species for survival. The main point is that mimicry can serve two distinct purposes: protection from predators and hunting advantage. Let me give you two examples. First, the harmless milk snake. It has evolved to look very similar to the venomous coral snake, with similar red, yellow, and black bands. Predators that have learned to avoid coral snakes also avoid milk snakes, giving the milk snake protection. Second, consider the anglerfish. This deep-sea fish has a fleshy growth on its head that glows and wiggles like a small worm. Smaller fish are attracted to the 'worm', thinking it's a meal. But when they approach, the anglerfish quickly snaps them up. So, in both cases, mimicry is crucial—whether it's for safety or for catching prey.