托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating adaptation in the animal kingdom: camouflage. Now, camouflage isn't just about blending in with the background; some animals use it to actively hunt or escape predators by changing their appearance dynamically. Let me give you two examples. First, the cuttlefish. This marine animal can instantly alter its skin color and texture to match its surroundings, like rocks or sand. When a predator approaches, it might mimic a harmless object, say a piece of coral, to avoid detection. But it also uses this skill offensively—when hunting small fish, it can create a sudden 'pulse' of color to startle its prey, making them easier to catch. Second, consider the peppered moth. During the Industrial Revolution, tree trunks became darkened by soot. Moths with a darker coloration survived better because they were less visible to birds, while lighter moths were easily spotted. Over time, the darker form became dominant. This shows how camouflage can be an evolutionary response to environmental changes. So, the main point is that camouflage is a versatile survival tool, involving both behavior and physical traits, and it can be shaped by natural selection.