托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating behavioral adaptation in animals called 'tool use.' While we often think of tool use as a uniquely human trait, many animals have evolved to use objects in their environment to solve problems. One key point is that tool use in animals is not random but is a learned behavior that increases their survival chances. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters feed on hard-shelled creatures like clams and abalones. They use stones as anvils to crack open these shells. A sea otter will float on its back, place a stone on its chest, and then smash the shell against the stone repeatedly until it breaks. This skill is often passed from mother to pup, showing it's learned. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. This bird uses twigs or leaves to extract insects from crevices in trees. The crow will fashion a hook from a twig to fish out grubs. Interestingly, these crows are known to modify their tools, showing innovation and planning. Both examples highlight that tool use is a flexible, learned behavior essential for feeding efficiency.