托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use.' While we often think of tool use as a uniquely human trait, many animals have developed remarkable abilities to use objects in their environment to solve problems. One key point I want to emphasize is that animal tool use is not random or instinctive; rather, it often involves learning and adaptation to specific environmental challenges. Let me give you two examples to illustrate this. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters feed on clams and mussels, which have hard shells. To break them open, an otter will float on its back, place a rock on its chest, and then smash the shellfish against the rock. Interestingly, different otters use different-sized rocks depending on the size of the prey, and they often have a favorite rock that they carry around in a pouch under their arm. This shows planning and problem-solving. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows are known for crafting tools from leaves and twigs. In one experiment, researchers presented crows with a piece of meat in a narrow tube, too deep to reach with their beaks. Without any prior training, a crow bent a piece of wire into a hook to fish the meat out. This was a novel solution that required insight, not just trial and error. So, as you can see, animals can exhibit flexible, intelligent tool use that goes beyond simple instinct.