托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating adaptation in the animal kingdom: behavioral thermoregulation. This is when animals actively change their behavior to control their body temperature, rather than relying solely on physiological mechanisms. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the desert kangaroo rat. During the hottest part of the day, it stays in its underground burrow, which is much cooler than the surface. But it doesn't just hide—it also seals the entrance with soil to keep out hot, dry air. This behavior helps it conserve water and avoid overheating. Second, think about the marine iguana found in the Galápagos Islands. After swimming in the cold ocean to feed on algae, iguanas become very cold and sluggish. To warm up, they bask on volcanic rocks, absorbing heat. But they also adopt a specific posture—they flatten their bodies against the rocks and orient themselves perpendicular to the sun to maximize heat absorption. Once warm, they become active again. So, in both cases, these animals use deliberate behavioral choices to manage their thermal environment.