托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in biology called 'behavioral adaptation'—specifically, how animals develop unusual behaviors to survive in extreme environments. One key idea is that these behaviors are not random; they are shaped by natural selection over generations. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the desert lizard. In the scorching heat, it can't stay on the hot sand for long, so it performs 'thermal dancing'—lifting its feet alternately to reduce heat absorption. This behavior allows it to move quickly between shady spots, avoiding overheating. Second, take the Arctic squirrel. During winter, it hibernates for months, but it's not just sleeping; it lowers its body temperature to near freezing, slowing its metabolism to conserve energy. This adaptation enables it to survive when food is scarce. Both examples show how specific behaviors evolve to solve particular environmental challenges.