托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'redirected behavior.' This occurs when an animal is unable to perform a natural behavior due to some obstacle, so it performs a different, often seemingly irrelevant behavior instead. This can be a response to frustration or stress. Let me give you two examples. First, consider domestic cats. When a cat is excited by a bird outside a window but cannot reach it, it may start grooming itself excessively. This grooming is not about cleanliness—it's a way to release pent-up energy and reduce stress. Second, think about zoo animals. In the wild, a bear might spend hours foraging for food. In a zoo, however, food is provided, so the bear has less to do. To cope with this boredom, the bear may pace back and forth along the same path. This pacing is a redirected behavior, a substitute for the natural foraging activity. So, redirected behavior helps animals cope when their natural drives are blocked.