托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'behavioral adaptation to urban environments.' Many species are adjusting their natural behaviors to survive and thrive in cities. One key point is that urbanization forces animals to develop new foraging strategies. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the raccoon. In the wild, raccoons are nocturnal and forage near water sources. But in cities, they have learned to open garbage bins and are active during twilight hours when human activity is lower. This flexibility in their activity patterns and diet is a clear adaptation. Second, think about the peregrine falcon. These birds traditionally nest on high cliffs. In urban areas, they have adapted to nest on skyscrapers and bridges, which mimic cliffs. They also prey on urban birds like pigeons and starlings, which are abundant. This shift in nesting and hunting habits shows how they exploit new niches. So, the main point is that behavioral flexibility is crucial for animals to cope with environmental changes caused by human development.