托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, tool use is not just about using an object to achieve a goal; it's about modifying or manipulating an object to serve a specific purpose. And this behavior isn't limited to primates—it appears in many species. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters often float on their backs and use a stone to crack open hard-shelled clams. They place the stone on their chests and repeatedly smash the clam against it. What's interesting is that they select stones of a specific size and shape, and some even keep their favorite stone tucked under their armpits for reuse. Second, think about the woodpecker finch, a bird found in the Galapagos Islands. This finch uses a cactus spine or a twig to probe into tree crevices and extract insects. It will even modify the twig by breaking it to the right length or trimming off side branches. The finch holds the tool in its beak and skillfully maneuvers it. Both examples show that these animals not only use tools but also adapt them to improve efficiency, which demonstrates a certain level of cognitive ability.