Question

In the early 1900s, the Florida panther was found all over Florida. By 1967, the population had dropped to only 30 panthers statewide, and the panther was listed as an endangered species. What is the most likely reason for the decline in the panther population?

A. Florida's climate changed dramatically.
B. Panthers were hunted by humans for many years.
C. The panthers moved north into Georgia and South Carolina.
D. Alligators stopped eating other animals and started eating panthers.

Answer 1

B . Hunting decimated the population badly, and it was one of the first species added to the U.S. endangered species list in 1973. The Florida panther's current status is listed as endangered. Today there are only 120 to 130 Florida panthers left in the wild.

Answer 2

B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Florida's climate itself hasn't particularly changed a bunch, but in the 20th century the population of Florida has increased. Plus D and C are easy to rule out. The easiest explanation for the panther's decline is the fragmentation of their habitat, and human interaction with the environment, not hunting per se. Good news is that the Florida panther's population has gone up to over 100!

Best of luck, and feel free to ask for any clarification.