7. the lithosphere is a. the same as the crust b. the layer beneath the crust c. the earth's outer rigid layer (includes the crust and uppermost mantle) d. only part of the mantle

c. the Earth's outer rigid layer (includes the crust and uppermost mantle)

Explanation:

Lithosphere -

On the surface of the planet Earth , the lithosphere , comprises of the portion of the Earth's crust and the upper mantle region .

The word lithosphere is composed of two words lithos and sphere , where the meaning of lithos is rocky .

The layer present exactly under the layer of lithosphere is known as the asthenosphere .