托福口语 Task 4

Today, we're going to talk about a fascinating concept in biology called 'behavioral adaptation.' This refers to actions that animals take to survive in their environments, often in response to changes. One key point I want to emphasize is that these behaviors are not learned from parents but are innate, or hardwired, in the animals' genetics. Let me give you two clear examples. First, consider the desert tortoise. In extremely hot conditions, this tortoise digs a burrow underground and stays there during the hottest part of the day. This behavior helps it avoid overheating and losing too much water. Second, think about the Arctic fox. In winter, when food is scarce and snow covers the ground, the fox will follow polar bears to scavenge leftover seal carcasses. This is not taught by the mother; it's an instinctive response to food scarcity. So, the main point is that these innate behaviors are crucial for survival in challenging environments.