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 the following is most likely the event that occurred?
A. There was an increase in the predators in the forest.
B. A natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels.
C. The winters were unusually cold in the forest.
D. A disease affected the squirrel population in the forest.

The event most likely to cause the population of squirrels to diverge into two different species is a natural disaster that separated them, leading to geographic isolation. This isolation is key in the speciation process, allowing the populations to adapt and evolve independently. The other options do not create such physical separation that would lead to significant evolutionary divergence. ;

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-07

The most likely event that would cause the population of squirrels to diverge into two different species is option B: a natural disaster caused separation. This physical separation leads to geographic isolation, which is crucial for speciation. During this isolation, the separated populations can evolve independently due to differing environmental pressures.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-09