托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'cooperative hunting.' This is when animals work together to capture prey, but not all cooperation is the same. Some species rely on complex strategies, while others use simpler coordination. Let me give you two examples. First, consider killer whales. In the waters off Antarctica, they hunt seals on ice floes. A group of whales will swim side by side, creating a wave that washes the seal off the ice. Then, another whale is waiting nearby to grab the seal as it falls into the water. This requires careful timing and role division. Second, think of lions on the African savanna. Female lions often hunt in groups, but they don't have assigned roles. They simply spread out and chase prey toward each other. One lion might start the chase, and another will ambush the prey as it runs. The success depends on the prey being surprised, but there's no pre-planned strategy. So, you see, cooperative hunting can range from highly structured to more opportunistic teamwork.