12.  What is a rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust?*1 pointLithosphereBiosphereAstenosphereSphere

Question Analysis

The question is asking for the term that describes a specific geological layer composed of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.

Relevant Concepts

• Lithosphere: This is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, which includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.
• Biosphere: Refers to the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the Earth occupied by living organisms.
• Asthenosphere: The layer beneath the lithosphere, which is more plastic and allows for the movement of tectonic plates.
• Sphere: A general term that does not apply to geological layers.

Answer

The correct answer is Lithosphere. The lithosphere is characterized as a rigid outer layer of the Earth that encompasses both the uppermost portion of the mantle and the crust, making it crucial to the structure of the Earth.