Some behaviors, such as nest building in birds, are determined by the genes of an organism. These innate behaviors are inherited from parent to offspring and exhibited even if the offspring does not observe its parent performing the behavior. Nest building behavior was most likely an evolutionary advantage because birds that built nests were more likely to raise their young to maturity and thus increase their reproductive success. That is, birds that laid their eggs in nests had more offspring survive to adulthood than those that did not. Behaviors that are determined by genes and that give an organism increased reproductive success usually become common in a species due to+

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.)