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 natural disaster could split the squirrel population into groups that can no longer regularly interbreed. Over many generations, the separated groups may experience different conditions and evolve distinct traits until they become separate species. This process is called allopatric speciation, so “A natural disaster occurred that separated squirrels” is the most likely event.

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