The absorption spectrum is characterized by dark lines superimposed on a continuous background of color. This occurs when light passes through a cooler gas, which absorbs specific wavelengths of light corresponding to the energy levels of its atomic or molecular structure. As the light interacts with the atoms, certain wavelengths are absorbed, removing those colors from the spectrum, and resulting in dark lines at specific locations on the colorful continuous spectrum emitted by the source of light.
In a continuous spectrum, light is emitted at all wavelengths and appears as a complete and uninterrupted range of colors without any dark lines. An emission spectrum displays bright lines against a dark background because it shows the specific wavelengths of light emitted by a substance when it is energised. A line spectrum also shows distinct lines, but it is typically described concerning emission or absorption.
The absorption spectrum is distinct from these other types due to its unique presentation of dark lines, making it the correct choice for the question asked.