TPO73

In terms of how to stop yellow creazy ants, an invasive species, from spreading and harming the ecosystem of palm forest, the strategies mentioned in the reading are all disputed by the lecturer.

It is first suggested that exotic traps can help to reduce the population of the ants successfully, as is the case in an island near Australia. However, the lecturer argues that those exotic traps can result in unintented problems. As a matter of fact, exotic traps would kill not only invasive ants but also native ants. The palm forest, unlike the island near Australia, features a large population of native ants, which means that if those traps are used, they will be killed as well.

Second, as the reading points out, cutting down broad-leaved trees, the desirable habitats for yellow crazy ants, can be viable. However, the lecturer contradicts that this strategy will not resolve the problem. In fact, the yellow crazy ants are able to dwell other habitats, like the open area with more sunlight. Therefore, simply cutting down those trees would create more open areas and let more sunlight in, providing another habituable zone for those ants. In this case, their populations will not be reduced.

Thirdly, the statement that limiting human activity near the palm is effective to slow down the spread of yellow crazy ants is also challenged. Indeed, such strategy would lead to serious problems economically. The palm forest featuring unique animals and plants can not only attract tourists but also scientists that can be the potential income for this area. As a result, limiting the presence of people there would make this region suffer from the loss of income while the environmental problems might be eased.