托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'adaptive camouflage.' This is when animals change their appearance to blend into their environment, helping them avoid predators or sneak up on prey. One classic example is the chameleon. Chameleons can shift their skin color to match the leaves or branches around them. But here's the interesting part: they don't just change to any color—they specifically match the background they're on. For instance, if a chameleon is on a green leaf, it turns green; if it moves to a brown branch, it turns brown. This helps it become almost invisible to birds that might eat it. Another example is the Arctic hare. In the summer, its fur is brown or gray, blending in with rocks and dirt. But when winter comes and snow covers the ground, the hare molts and grows white fur. This way, it's nearly impossible for predators like wolves or foxes to spot it against the snow. So, both animals use adaptive camouflage, but they do so in different ways: chameleons change quickly and repeatedly, while Arctic hares change seasonally.