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 only primates, like chimpanzees, use tools, but in fact, several bird species do as well. The key point is that tool use in birds is not just instinctive; it often involves problem-solving and learning. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the New Caledonian crow. These crows are known to craft hooks from twigs or leaves to extract insects from hard-to-reach crevices. They don’t just pick up any stick—they modify it, shaping it into a tool that fits the task. This shows foresight and planning. Second, there’s the green heron. This bird uses bait, such as insects or small objects, and drops them on the water’s surface to attract fish. The heron waits patiently and then strikes when the fish comes near. This behavior is not innate; young herons learn it by watching adults and practicing. So, as you can see, these examples illustrate that tool use in birds is a flexible, learned behavior that demonstrates cognitive ability.