Scientists studied reproduction in the new zealand mud snail to answer the question, “are there benefits to reproducing sexually or asexually? ” which of these hypotheses would least likely aid the scientists as they worked to answer the question? a. sexual reproduction is advantageous over asexual reproduction because it reduces the rate of mutation accumulation. b. asexual reproduction is advantageous over sexual reproduction because it allows the snails to produce more offspring. c. sexual reproduction is advantageous over asexual reproduction because it allows for snails to have increased genetic variation. d. asexual reproduction is advantageous over sexual reproduction because it decreases the snails’ need for social interaction.

c. earths continental crust is thicker than its lithosphere.

because, the lithosphere is the outermost layer of the earth/ 100 km thick and is defined by its machanical properties.the lithosphere contains oceanic and continental crust that varies in age and thickness across locations and geologic time. the lithosphere is the coolest layer of the earth in terms of temperature. the term lithosphere should not be confused with the use of "geosphere" which is used to indicate all of earth systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere   and biosphere. the surface of the earth can be divided into the continental crust and the oceanic crust.   the continental crust is made mostly of granite while the oceanic crust is made of basalt. the average thickness of the continental crust is 25 miles and the average thickness of the oceanic crust is 5 miles.   three types of rock, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, make up the surface of the earth. that's why 3 option is preferable.