托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating phenomenon in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, tool use isn't just about using objects to get food—it can also serve social purposes. One key point is that animals sometimes use tools to communicate or manipulate others, not just to survive. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the chimpanzee. In some groups, male chimps use leaves as 'leaf-clipping' signals. They tear leaves in a specific way to make a loud ripping sound. This sound attracts females and warns rival males, effectively using a tool to send a social message. Second, think about the bottlenose dolphin. In Shark Bay, Australia, some female dolphins carry large marine sponges on their snouts to protect themselves while foraging on the seafloor. Interestingly, this sponge-carrying behavior is passed down from mother to daughter—it's a learned social tradition, not just a survival trick. So you see, tool use in animals often has a strong social component, whether it's for courtship, competition, or cultural transmission.