托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior known as 'tool use.' While many people think of tool use as a uniquely human trait, several animals have demonstrated the ability to use objects to achieve a goal. The professor's main point is that tool use in animals is not just a simple instinct, but often involves problem-solving and learning. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters often eat hard-shelled prey like clams. To crack them open, they will find a stone and place it on their chest while floating on their backs. Then, they repeatedly smash the clam against the stone until it breaks. Interestingly, otters often keep a favorite stone and may even tuck it under their arm for later use. This shows planning and choice. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These birds are famous for their ability to craft tools. In the wild, they will select a twig or a leaf and then trim it to create a hooked tool to extract insects from tree bark. Moreover, in experiments, crows have even bent wires to create hooks to retrieve food from a tube, demonstrating that they can innovate solutions to novel problems. Both examples illustrate that these animals are not just using objects instinctively; they are actively solving problems and adjusting their techniques.