托福口语 Task 4

Today we're going to talk about how animals adapt to extreme environments, specifically focusing on the concept of 'behavioral thermoregulation.' This is when animals adjust their behavior to maintain a stable body temperature in harsh climates. The main point is that behavioral strategies can be just as important as physical adaptations. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the desert iguana, which lives in the scorching Mojave Desert. During the hottest part of the day, when ground temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius, the iguana doesn't stay on the sand. Instead, it climbs up into creosote bushes, where the temperature is significantly cooler. By adjusting its position vertically, it avoids overheating. Second, think about the emperor penguin in Antarctica. In freezing winter winds, penguins huddle together in large groups, taking turns moving to the warm center. This reduces heat loss by up to 50% compared to a solitary penguin. So, as you can see, these behaviors—climbing to a cooler spot or huddling for warmth—are crucial for survival in extreme environments.