TOEFL Listening

🎧 Listening Transcript

Listen to a conversation between a student and her biology professor. Student: Professor, I was hoping to ask you about my research paper topic. I'm interested in studying animal behavior, specifically how birds communicate. Professor: That's a broad area. Have you narrowed it down to a particular species or type of communication? Student: I was thinking about alarm calls in chickadees. I read that they encode information about the size of a predator in their calls. Professor: Yes, that's a classic example. The number of 'dee' notes in their alarm call indicates the threat level. But have you considered the social context? Recent studies show that chickadees also use calls to maintain social bonds, not just for alarm. Student: Oh, I didn't know that. So, maybe I could compare the alarm calls with their contact calls? Professor: That could work, but you'd need to observe them in the field. Do you have access to a suitable location? Student: I think so. There's a nature reserve near campus. Professor: Good. I'd suggest you also review the work by Dr. Templeton on this. He did a comprehensive study on chickadee vocalizations. Student: Great, I'll look that up. Thanks for your guidance. Professor: No problem. Come see me next week with a rough outline.