When a higher-priority thread enters the ready state, the operating system generally preempts the currently running thread (an operation known as preemptive scheduling). Depending on the operating system, a steady influx of higher-priority threads could postpone—possibly indefinitely—the execution of lower-priority threads. such indefinite postponement is sometimes referred to more colorfully as________.

a. fasting
b. famine
c. starvation
d. malnourishment

C