托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'behavioral thermoregulation.' This is when animals actively adjust their behavior to maintain a stable body temperature, rather than relying solely on physiological mechanisms like sweating or shivering. One clear example is the desert iguana. In the early morning, when it's cool, these lizards bask in the sun on rocks to warm up. But when the midday heat becomes extreme, they burrow into the sand or seek shade under vegetation to avoid overheating. Another example is the honeybee. During hot summer days, worker bees collect water and spread it thin over the hive's surface, then fan their wings to create evaporative cooling. Conversely, when temperatures drop at night, bees cluster tightly together, shivering their flight muscles to generate heat and keep the hive warm. So, you see, behavioral adjustments are crucial for survival in changing environments.