托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about animal communication, specifically the concept of 'referential signaling.' This is when an animal's signal not only conveys emotion or intensity, but also refers to a specific object or event in the environment. A classic example is the vervet monkey. These monkeys have distinct alarm calls for different predators. When they see a leopard, they give a 'leopard' call, which causes other monkeys to climb up into trees. When they see an eagle, they give a different 'eagle' call, and the group dives for cover in dense bushes. So the call isn't just a general 'danger' warning—it specifically identifies the type of threat. Another example comes from domestic chickens. Roosters produce different food calls when they find food. If they find preferred food like a worm, they make a fast, repetitive 'took-took-took' call. If they find less preferred food like seeds, they make a slower, lower-intensity call. Hens respond differently: they approach the rooster more quickly for the worm call. So, in both cases, the signal carries specific referential information, not just a general state of alertness or hunger.