Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What does the economic term 'primary activity' specifically refer to?

1. Retail and service jobs

2. Resource extraction from the Earth

3. High-tech manufacturing

4. Cultural production

The correct answer is: Resource extraction from the Earth

The term 'primary activity' in economic geography specifically refers to activities that involve the extraction and harvesting of natural resources directly from the Earth. This includes industries such as agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing, and hunting. These activities form the foundation of the economy by providing raw materials that are essential for other sectors, such as manufacturing (secondary activities) and services (tertiary activities). Understanding this classification is crucial for analyzing how different economies develop and how they interact with their environment. While retail and service jobs relate to the distribution and facilitation of goods and services, and high-tech manufacturing pertains to the production process utilizing advanced technology, these activities fall under secondary and tertiary sectors rather than primary. Cultural production, while significant, also does not involve resource extraction and therefore does not fit the definition of primary activities. Understanding these distinctions is vital for grasping the broader concepts of economic structure and development within a given region.