托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in animal behavior: cooperative hunting. Now, many animals hunt alone, but some species have evolved to hunt in groups, and this can provide significant advantages. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the African lion. Lions live in prides and often hunt large prey like zebras or wildebeests. A single lion would struggle to bring down such a big animal, but by working together, they can surround the prey and increase their chances of a successful kill. This cooperation allows them to access food sources that would otherwise be unavailable. Second, let's look at dolphins. In the waters off Florida, bottlenose dolphins use a technique called 'mud-ring feeding.' One dolphin swims in a circle around a school of fish, stirring up mud with its tail. The mud forms a wall that traps the fish, making them panic and leap out of the water. Other dolphins then take turns catching the fish as they jump. This coordinated effort not only saves energy but also ensures that each dolphin gets a share of the meal. So, the main point is that cooperative hunting can provide access to larger prey and increase hunting efficiency, which are benefits that solitary hunters often miss.