托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'behavioral thermoregulation.' This is when animals actively change their behavior to regulate their body temperature, rather than relying solely on physiological mechanisms. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the desert iguana. During the hottest part of the day, when the sand temperature can reach over 50 degrees Celsius, the iguana will climb up onto rocks or low bushes. This lifts it off the hot ground, into cooler air, and it also allows air to flow around its body, helping it lose heat. Second, think about the honeybee. In a hive, if the temperature gets too high, worker bees will engage in a behavior called 'fanning.' They stand at the entrance of the hive and rapidly beat their wings, creating a current of air that draws hot air out and brings cooler air in. This helps maintain a stable temperature for the developing larvae. So, both these animals use specific actions to cope with extreme heat in their environments.