Option 2: It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

Prosopis juliflora, also known as mesquite, is a species of tree in the Fabaceae family native to the Americas. It has been introduced in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia, as a means of providing fuel, timber, and fodder for livestock. However, it has become an invasive species in many of these regions, where it displaces native vegetation and reduces biodiversity.

Prosopis juliflora has a very aggressive root system that allows it to thrive in arid and semi-arid environments, where it competes with native species for water and nutrients. It also has the ability to fix nitrogen, which can lead to an increase in soil fertility and favor its growth over that of other plants.

The spread of Prosopis juliflora has been a concern for environmentalists and policymakers in many countries, as it can have negative impacts on ecosystems and local communities. For example, in Ethiopia, where the tree was introduced in the 1980s to combat desertification, it has spread rapidly and is now considered a serious threat to biodiversity and agriculture. The tree is also known to affect the water balance of ecosystems, as it consumes large amounts of water, which can reduce the availability of water for other plants and animals.

In conclusion, Prosopis juliflora is often mentioned in the news because of its invasive nature and negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems in many regions of the world.