托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use' — and more specifically, how some animals have learned to use tools in ways that are not just instinctive but learned and passed down through generations. This is often referred to as 'cultural transmission' in animals. 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 here's the interesting part: young otters don't automatically know how to do this. They watch their mothers and practice for months until they master the technique. This shows that the behavior is taught and learned, not purely genetic. Second, take the example of a group of chimpanzees in West Africa. They use stones to crack nuts, and researchers have observed that different groups have slightly different techniques. Young chimps learn by observing older members of their group, and these techniques are specific to each community, suggesting they are culturally transmitted. So, the main point is that tool use in these animals is not just a simple instinct but a learned behavior that is passed on within social groups.