托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in biology called 'behavioral thermoregulation.' Unlike animals that rely solely on internal mechanisms to control body temperature, many ectotherms, or cold-blooded animals, actively adjust their behavior to regulate their body heat. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the desert iguana. During the hottest part of the day, when the sand temperature can exceed 50 degrees Celsius, the iguana will climb onto rocks or into bushes to get into cooler air. If it stayed on the hot sand, its body temperature would become dangerously high. Second, think about the marine iguana found in the Galapagos Islands. When it dives into the cold ocean to feed on algae, its body temperature drops significantly. After feeding, it returns to shore and basks in the sun on volcanic rocks, spreading its body to maximize sun exposure. This behavior helps it warm up quickly to an optimal temperature for digestion and activity.