托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating behavior in the animal kingdom called 'tool use.' Now, tool use is when an animal uses an external object to achieve a goal that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. This is not just about physical ability, but also about problem-solving and innovation. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters often eat hard-shelled prey like clams and crabs. To crack them open, they will float on their backs, place a stone on their chests, and then smash the shellfish against the stone until it breaks. This requires not only finding the right stone but also coordinating their movements. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows are famous for making hooks from twigs or leaves to extract insects from tree holes. They carefully shape the material, creating a barbed tool, and then use it to fish out the prey. This shows advanced planning and understanding of cause and effect. Both examples illustrate how animals can use tools creatively to survive.