托福口语 Task 4

Today we’re going to talk about animal behavior, specifically how some animals use deception to survive. One key point is that deception can be used either to avoid predators or to gain a food advantage. Let me give you two examples. First, consider the Eastern gray squirrel. When a squirrel finds food, it often pretends to bury it—digging a hole and covering it up—even though it has actually hidden the food elsewhere, like in a tree. This fake burying behavior is meant to trick other squirrels that might be watching. Those observing squirrels waste time digging in the wrong spots, while the original squirrel can safely retrieve its real cache later. Second, think of the mimic octopus. This marine animal changes its color and shape to imitate more dangerous creatures, such as a venomous sea snake or a poisonous lionfish. When a predator approaches, the octopus mimics these threatening species, causing the predator to retreat. This deception helps the octopus avoid being eaten, giving it a chance to escape or hunt. So, in both cases, deception is a strategic tool that improves the animal’s chances of survival.