Jainism holds that the universe has a. an almost limitless number of atoms all distinct from one another b. eight basic categories of non-living entities c. twelve realms inhabited by human beings, gods, and goddesses d. an infinite number of jivas or souls

D - An infinite number of jivas or souls.

Explanation:

As the exercise briefly mentions, Jainism holds that the universe has an infinite number of jivas, which are souls or lifeforms. This rests upon the term "Nigod" which is a common body shared by the Jivas, which are innumerable among the universe. This body shared could be jivas from Heaven, Earth or Hell, all coexisting inside the Nigod. Even the tiniest living being possess a Jiva or, in other words, all life forms are one. From fire to water to vegetation.