Question

a population of squirrels lived together in a forest. an event occurred that caused the population to diverge into two different species over a long period of time. which of these is most likely the event that occurred? there was an increase in the predators in the forest. the winters were unusually cold in the forest. a disease affected the squirrel population in the forest. a natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels.

Explanation:

Speciation (formation of new species) often occurs due to geographic isolation, which prevents gene flow between populations. A natural disaster separating squirrels would create geographic barriers, leading to divergent evolution. Other options (predator increase, cold winters, disease) cause selection pressure but not isolation needed for speciation.

Answer:

A natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels.