▶ Topic : In the given set of information, both the reading passage and the lecturer discuss cane toads. The lecturer, however, casts doubt on the author's assertion on several solutions to control the proliferation of cane toads, by presenting three compelling counter-arguments.
First, the lecturer asserts that errecting fences to control the spread of cane toads is problematic. This is because the fences cannot be errected across rivers and streams as fences can disrupt the flow of water. Therefore, despite the effort, cane toads will simply spread through rivers and streams. This refutes the author's claim that building fences will prevent cane toads' migration.
Second, the lecturer claims that recruiting local volunteers to catch cane toad is disputable since volunteers are average people and not biologists. Therefore, volunteers will not be able to distinguish between native species and cane toads, resulting in a decline in native species. This counters the author's statement that local volunteers can cooperate to eliminate cane toads.
In conclusion, the lecturer indicates that the use of virus to kill cane toads will spread into native environment and cause an ecological disaster. He says that virus will disrupt the environment as much as cane toads have done. This opposes the author's claim that a new virus can be used to reduce cane toads.
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