Question: Using the examples from the lecture, explain the professor's main point about animal tool use and the cognitive flexibility it demonstrates.
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Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating phenomenon in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, many people think tool use is unique to humans, but actually, several animal species have been observed using tools to solve problems. The key point is that these animals don't just randomly pick up objects; they choose specific tools for specific tasks, showing a level of cognitive flexibility. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters often eat clams, but the shells are hard to crack open. So, they will find a flat stone, place it on their chests, and then pound the clam against it until the shell breaks. Interestingly, they will even select stones of the right size and shape, sometimes carrying a favorite stone around for many dives. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows manufacture tools in the wild. For instance, they will take a twig and strip off the leaves and bark to create a hooked probe, which they then use to fish out insects from crevices in wood. They even modify the twig if it doesn't work well, showing they can adjust their tool-making based on feedback. So, in both cases, the animals are not just using objects, but actively choosing and modifying them to meet their needs.