Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What are secondary economic activities characterized by?

1. The extraction of raw materials directly from the environment

2. The provision of services without material production

3. The processing of raw materials into finished goods by manufacturing

4. The trade and distribution of agricultural products

The correct answer is: The processing of raw materials into finished goods by manufacturing

Secondary economic activities are characterized by the processing of raw materials into finished goods through manufacturing. This stage of economic activity takes the raw materials obtained from primary activities, such as agriculture, mining, or forestry, and transforms them into products that can be sold to consumers or used in further production processes. Manufacturing plays a crucial role in adding value to these raw materials, creating a wide range of products, from food and clothing to automobiles and electronics. In addition to fulfilling the need for goods, secondary economic activities also contribute significantly to job creation and economic development by fostering industry and innovation. Factors such as technological advancements and economies of scale typically enhance efficiency and productivity in this sector, further driving economic growth. The other options are distinct categories of economic activity; for instance, the extraction of raw materials correlates with primary activities, providing a different focus than the transformation process emphasized in secondary activities. The provision of services relates to tertiary activities, and the trade of agricultural products falls under market activities rather than the manufacturing process associated with secondary economic activities.