托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating behavior in the animal kingdom called 'tool use.' Now, tool use isn't just about using an object to get food—it's a learned behavior that shows problem-solving skills. One classic example is the sea otter. Sea otters float on their backs and use rocks to crack open shellfish. They place the rock on their chest and smash the clam against it. This behavior is not instinctive; mothers teach their pups which rocks to use and how to position them. Another example is the New Caledonian crow. These birds create hooks from twigs or leaves to extract insects from tree bark. They carefully shape the material, and this skill is passed down socially, with young crows observing and practicing with adults. So, the main point is that tool use in animals is not just simple instinct—it's a sophisticated skill that involves learning, cultural transmission, and adaptation to the environment.