Final answer:
A volcanic eruption is the most likely of the given events to result in the development of large numbers of fossils formation, due to its potential for rapid burial and preservation of organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major answer to this question is c. a volcano. The reason for this is because a large volcanic eruption can cause the rapid burial of organisms and preserve them as fossils. Of course, this depends on the volcano's eruption style and the types and abundance of organisms living in the vicinity. Other disasters like a fire, drought, or earthquake are unlikely to result in the development of a large number of fossils because they do not lead to rapid burial and preservation of bodies, which is key to fossil formation.
A detailed answer more than 100 words would point out that the fossilization process involves rapid burial of an organism's remains, a lack of oxygen to prevent decomposition, and the replacement of soft body parts with minerals. This process can take thousands to millions of years. Most common fossils are from hard body parts like bones, teeth, or shells. It's much rarer to find fossils of soft tissues.
In conclusion, among the given options, a volcanic eruption is most likely to result in the development of large numbers of fossils because it can lead to rapid burial and preservation of organisms.
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