托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in biology called 'mimicry.' Specifically, I want to focus on how some animals use mimicry not just for protection, but also for hunting. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the anglerfish, which lives in the deep, dark ocean. It has a fleshy growth on its head that glows due to bioluminescent bacteria. Small fish are attracted to this light, thinking it's a tasty snack. When they get close, the anglerfish snaps them up. So, the mimicry of a food source helps it catch prey. Second, think about the orchid mantis. This insect resembles a pink or white flower. It sits on plants, and when a pollinator like a bee or butterfly comes to investigate what looks like a flower, the mantis grabs it. In both cases, the predator mimics something attractive to its prey, allowing it to hunt more effectively. So, the main point is that mimicry can be an active hunting strategy, not just a passive defense.