托福口语 Task 4

Today, I want to talk about a fascinating phenomenon in animal behavior known as 'tool use.' While we often think of tool use as a uniquely human trait, many animals also use objects from their environment to achieve goals. The main point is that tool use in animals is not random but rather a learned behavior that serves a specific purpose, often to obtain food or solve a problem. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters float on their backs and use stones to crack open shellfish. They place the stone on their chest and smash the shell against it. Interestingly, sea otters learn this technique from their mothers, and they often choose a favorite stone that they carry with them. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. This bird is known for its remarkable ability to craft tools from twigs and leaves. It will shape a twig into a hook to extract insects from tree bark. Moreover, crows can even modify their tools based on the situation, showing an advanced level of problem-solving. So, in both cases, the animals use tools in a deliberate, learned manner to meet their needs.