Apopulation 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? there was an increase in the predators in the forest. a natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels. the winters were unusually cold in the forest. a disease affected the squirrel population in the forest.

A natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels.

Reproductive isolation is a phenomena, in which members of the same species are incapable of breeding. This results in speciation, that is development of new species from the previous. Reproductive isolation can be because of geographical barriers, it results in separation of the members of the same species physically. This brings changes in the environment, physiology, genetics and behavior of two separated populations. Hence, results in speciation.

A natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels is the most likely event that will occur after the natural disaster. As, the natural disaster may result in geographic barrier, that will separate the populations of the two squirrel populations. The two species will develop as a result of geographical reproductive isolation.

Ans.

Geographic speciation or allopatric speciation is defined as a speciation mechanism that leads to evolution of two different species due to geographical isolation. Geographical isolation may occur due to natural disaster that can separate a region into two different regions.

So, the event that caused the population of squirrels into two different species can be a natural disaster. By this, the population of squirrels got separated two distinct regions and evolved as the new species.

Thus, the correct answer is option). 'a  natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels.'

gold i'm pretty sure i might be wrong