托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about a fascinating phenomenon in animal behavior called 'tool use.' Now, tool use isn't just about animals using objects to get food—it's about using an external object to achieve a goal, and this behavior often shows problem-solving skills. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the sea otter. Sea otters eat clams and mussels, but their shells are very hard. To crack them open, the otter will float on its back, place a stone on its chest, and then smash the clam against the stone. Interestingly, the otter chooses a stone of the right size and weight, and it may even keep the same stone for many meals. Second, think of the woodpecker finch from the Galapagos Islands. This bird feeds on insect larvae that hide deep inside tree bark. The bird cannot reach them with its beak, so it picks up a cactus spine or a small twig, holds it in its beak, and probes into the bark to dislodge the insects. After using the twig, it may even shape it to make it more effective. Both examples show that these animals are not just acting on instinct—they are actively selecting and modifying tools to solve specific problems.