Design a Study to determine if these mice are separate species...?

In southern Wisconsin there are several populations of gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) with black fur. Design a study to determine if they are actually a separate Species.





Thanks for the help!!Design a Study to determine if these mice are separate species...?
Theres black squirrles in Michigan too and Gray squirrels in Arizona.Design a Study to determine if these mice are separate species...?
Take members of each population of squirrels or mice and attempt to breed them (assuming they are mechanically compatible). If they produce offspring, and the offspring are able to reproduce viable offspring, then they are of the same species. If parental generation's offspring is sterile, then they are not of the same species.





You could also design a lab using restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis to determine the relatedness of the two populations.