托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating behavior in the animal kingdom called 'tool use.' Now, tool use isn't just about using objects to get food—it can also serve social purposes. This is our main point today: animals sometimes use tools not for survival, but to communicate or strengthen social bonds. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the chimpanzee. In some communities, male chimpanzees will pick up a large branch and drag it noisily along the ground during displays of dominance. This isn't about getting food—it's a social signal to other chimps, showing strength and status. The noise and the size of the branch intimidate rivals and attract allies. Second, think about the octopus. The veined octopus has been observed picking up coconut shells and carrying them around. At first, scientists thought this was for protection. But later, they saw the octopus using the shells as a shelter while it moved—and also stacking them to create a kind of 'home.' However, more interestingly, when another octopus approached, the shell-holding octopus would wave the shell, almost like a warning or a greeting. This suggests the shell serves a social function, too, helping the octopus avoid conflict or establish territory. So, as you can see, tool use in animals can go beyond simple survival—it can be a way to manage social interactions.