Question

Fire ant

How does the invasive species harm the environment? Cite your source.
1 paragraph. Please make it seem like a 9th grader wrote it

Answer 1

Fire ants are an invasive species that can really damage the environment in several ways. First, they compete with native ants and other insects for food and resources, often pushing them out of their habitats, which can disrupt the entire ecosystem. They also prey on small animals, including birds, lizards, and insects, which can lead to a decrease in those populations. Additionally, fire ants can damage crops and plants because they build large mounds that can hurt the roots of plants. This not only affects the plants but can also impact food sources for other animals. Overall, fire ants create a lot of problems for the ecosystems they invade. (Source: "Invasive Species Compendium—Fire Ants," CABI, 2023)