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. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the California sea otter. When a male sea otter wants to impress a female, he will dive down and pick up a large rock. Then, he'll float on his back, hold the rock on his chest, and repeatedly smash a shellfish against it. This isn't just for eating—he's actually showing off his strength and skill to the female. The female observes his efficiency and vigor, and if she's impressed, she'll mate with him. So the rock here is a tool for social signaling. Second, think of chimpanzees. In some communities, male chimps use leaves as a 'leaf-clipping' gesture. They take a leaf and tear it with their teeth, producing a loud ripping sound. This sound attracts the attention of other chimps, and it's often used during courtship or to signal dominance. The leaf itself isn't for food—it's a tool for communication. So, as you can see, tool use in animals can be more than just a survival technique; it can be key to social interaction and mating success.