托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use'—when animals use objects from their environment to achieve a goal. This isn't just about intelligence; it often reveals how animals adapt to specific challenges in their habitats. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters float on their backs and use rocks to crack open hard-shelled prey like clams and sea urchins. They'll even keep a favorite rock tucked under their armpit for repeated use. This tool allows them to access food that would otherwise be impossible to eat, giving them a survival advantage in their marine environment. Second, think of the woodpecker finch from the Galápagos Islands. This bird uses a cactus spine or a small twig to probe into tree crevices and extract insects. The finch will even modify the tool, breaking it to the right length. This behavior is crucial because its beak isn't long enough to reach the insects directly. So in both cases, tool use is not random—it's a targeted adaptation to overcome physical limitations and exploit available resources.