托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, many people assume that tool use is a uniquely human trait, but that's not true. However, what's interesting is that animals don't just use tools instinctively; they often learn to do so through observation and practice, which shows a level of cognitive flexibility. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters float on their backs and use rocks to crack open shellfish. But they don't just pick any rock—they select one that's suitable for the task, and they learn this skill by watching their mothers as pups. They also refine their technique over time, choosing better rocks and striking more effectively. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows are known for making hooks from twigs to extract insects from tree holes. Researchers have observed that young crows learn this by trial and error, but they also improve by observing other crows. In one experiment, crows that watched a skilled crow were much more efficient at making hooks than those that didn't. So, in both cases, we see that tool use isn't purely genetic—it involves learning and cultural transmission.