Scientists have discovered several fossils ranging from 2 to 9 million years old that they believe to be ancestors of a present-day crustacean species. Other than differences in overall size, the fossils appear to be almost structurally identical to the living species. Which of the statements is the MOST reasonable explanation for this observation?Select one:a.The fossils found are not as old as scientists believe them to be.b.The fossils and present‑day crustacean species are an example of convergent evolution.c.Stasis is occurring in this crustacean species.d.Structural features cannot be accurately identified in fossils.

The most reasonable explanation for the observation is c. Stasis is occurring in this crustacean species.

Stasis is a term in evolutionary biology which means that a species does not change significantly in its morphology or other observable characteristics over a long period of time. This is despite the fact that the environment and other conditions may have changed.

In this case, the fossils of the crustacean species, which are believed to be 2 to 9 million years old, are almost structurally identical to the present-day species. This suggests that the species has not undergone significant evolutionary changes over millions of years, which is a characteristic of stasis.

The other options are less likely because:

a. The age of the fossils is not directly related to their structural similarity to the present-day species. Even if the fossils were not as old as believed, it would not explain why they are so similar to the present-day species.

b. Convergent evolution refers