托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, most people think tool use is a sign of high intelligence, but it's actually more about adaptation to specific environmental challenges. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters float on their backs and use rocks to crack open hard-shelled clams. They place the rock on their chest and smash the clam against it. This behavior isn't learned from parents; it's an innate ability that helps them exploit a food source that other animals can't easily access. Second, think about the woodpecker finch in the Galapagos Islands. This bird uses a cactus spine or a small twig to pry insects out of tree bark. The finch will select a suitable tool, sometimes even modifying it by breaking off branches. This tool use is flexible and varies among individuals, suggesting it's a learned behavior passed down through observation. So, while tool use in otters is instinctual, in finches it's cultural. Both examples show that tool use evolves to meet specific ecological needs, not just as a sign of brainpower.