Final answer:
The likelihood of an individual floating is primarily determined by their body density in relation to the fluid in which they are submerged. Individuals with higher body fat percentages have lower body densities and are thus more likely to float. Body composition, rather than height or muscularity, is the key factor in buoyancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of what type of individual has a greater chance of floating is related to the concept of density in physics. Individuals with a lower body density compared to the fluid density are more likely to float. Since human body density is an indicator of a person's percent body fat, individuals with a higher percentage of body fat will typically have a lower density. Among the options provided, a) Lean and muscular, b) Dense and heavy, c) Tall and slim, and d) Short and stocky, the type of individual most likely to float, all else being equal, would be those with more body fat, which is not always correlated with being lean or muscular.
A lean and muscular person may have a lower body fat percentage and higher density, making them less buoyant. Conversely, someone who is short and stocky may actually have a higher body fat percentage, leading to a greater chance of floating, depending on their exact composition. It's important to remember that height and weight alone do not determine buoyancy; body composition is the key factor. For example, someone who is very tall and slim may still have a lower density due to a lower body fat percentage compared to someone who is short and stocky with a higher percentage of body fat.