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.

The right option is; A natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels.

Natural disaster is a natural adverse event such as earthquakes, floods, tornadoes or hurricanes that causes significant physical damage, loss of life or sometimes permanent change to the natural environment. The destruction of habitats by a natural disaster can have various effects on animals including causing the displacement (separation) of specie’s population.

The right option is; a natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels.

Further Explanation:

The divergence of the same species living together in a particular area into two different species over a long period is possible only if the species are not able to mate together. This can occur due to any natural disasters such as floods, tornados, hurricane and earthquakes.

The natural disasters may lead to the separation of the entire population into two or more parts. If that natural disaster is strong enough to lead to complete separation, that may be separated populations become sexually incompatible over time. This would lead to two diverse groups of organisms, which can also be termed as different species.

Thus, two different species of squirrels can originate from the same group of squirrels that are not able to breed among themselves due to the development or certain characters that are unfavorable due to environmental changes.

Learn more:

1. Learn more about abiotic factor

2. Learn more about cellular respiration

3. Learn more about primary and secondary succession

Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Subject: Biology

Chapter: Ecology

Keywords:

Divergence, species, a particular area, different species, mate, natural disaster, floods, tornado, hurricane, earthquakes, sexually incompatible.

the correct answer is d