托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, tool use was once thought to be a uniquely human trait, but we now know that many animals use tools to solve problems in their environment. The key point is that these animals are not just using random objects; they are selecting and modifying tools to achieve a specific goal. 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 will often keep a favorite rock tucked under their arm and use it repeatedly. Interestingly, they also choose rocks of the right size and weight for the particular shell they are trying to break. Second, think about the New Caledonian crow. These crows are famous for making hooks from twigs and leaves to extract insects from crevices in trees. They don't just pick any twig; they carefully trim and shape it to create a functional tool, and they even pass this skill on to their young. So, as you can see, tool use in animals is not a simple reflex but a deliberate, learned behavior that showcases their cognitive abilities.