Breeding programs and habitat preserves have been established as an effort to protect the florida panther from extinction. studies indicate that a minimum of 50 adult panthers are needed in order to have a self-sustaining population, which is one that does not need to be supplemented with breeding programs. if a wild population of 40 panthers were left alone, which would most likely happen to the panther population? the panthers will maintain the population size that is present now. the panthers will migrate to different areas of the country. the panthers will adapt to new conditions and their descendants will survive. the panthers will become extinct due to the lack of genetic diversity.

Mr. j, age 42, is a construction worker in las vegas. he recently noticed that a mole on his face seemed to be getting larger and darker. at first he did not worry because he was in the sun a lot and assumed the change may have been caused by sunburn. after a month, not only was the mole larger and darker, but it appeared to be “bumpy.” his doctor diagnosed a malignant melanoma skin cancer following biopsy of the nevus. mr. j reports pain in his right shin that does not go away when he puts his feet up or sleeps. discussion questions 1. relate mr. j’s skin changes to the warning signs for malignant melanoma. (see malignant melanoma.) 2. discuss the normal progression of this malignancy. what is the significance of the bone pain that mr. j is experiencing? (see malignant melanoma.) 3. discuss the treatment available for this patient and the prognosis for recovery. (see malignant melanoma.)