托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating behavior in the animal kingdom called 'tool use.' While we often think of tool use as a uniquely human trait, several animals have evolved the ability to use objects from their environment to solve problems. I want to emphasize that this behavior is not random; it's a learned and purposeful adaptation that helps animals survive in specific ecological niches. Let me give you two clear examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters feed on hard-shelled invertebrates like clams and crabs. They have a clever technique: they float on their backs, place a rock on their chests, and then smash the shellfish against the rock to crack it open. This allows them to access food that would otherwise be inaccessible. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows are known for crafting tools from leaves and twigs. They will shape a twig into a hook to extract insects from tree bark. Interestingly, they even modify their tools based on the specific foraging situation, showing a high level of problem-solving. In both cases, tool use directly addresses a survival challenge—obtaining food—and is passed down through observation and learning.