Final answer:
In an individual with premature epiphyseal plate closure, you might expect short stature, as the bones can no longer lengthen once these plates close.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the expected outcome for an individual with premature epiphyseal plate closure. The epiphyseal plate, or growth plate, is a hyaline cartilage plate located at the ends of long bones. It is where bone growth occurs in children and adolescents. Growth of the epiphyseal plate will produce bone lengthening until the cartilage cells are exhausted, which usually happens by the end of adolescence.
When the epiphyseal plates close prematurely, it means that the long bones have stopped growing earlier than normal. This can result in short stature, as the bones can no longer continue to lengthen. Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is b) short stature. Premature closure of the growth plates is not associated with overly thick or thin bones, tall stature, or enhanced joint flexibility.