The bacteria in a colony are unable to perform conjugation. how would this hurt the bacterial colony's chance for survival?

The bacteria in the colony would be genetically to similar. APEX

The colonies would have less genetic variation.

Explanation:

Bacterial Conjugation is the transfer of genetic material between the bacterial cell when they come in direct contact to each other.

Thy build a bridge like connection in between two cell from where the genetic material is exchanged between them.

If there will be no exchange of genetic material then there are very less chances of genetic variation.

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.