Which statement best describes a tertiary industry?

• A. It provides services to people and businesses
• B. It extracts raw materials
• C. It processes agricultural commodities
• D. It manufactures durable goods

Answer: (A)

Tertiary industries are about providing services rather than producing goods. They include activities like healthcare, education, banking, retail, and transportation, all of which support people and other businesses rather than turning resources into manufactured items. So the statement that describes this sector best is the one that says it provides services to people and businesses. The other options describe activities in the primary and secondary sectors—extracting raw materials, processing agricultural commodities, and manufacturing durable goods—none of which are services.