Question

Which one of the following is not a primary activity?
a. Mining
b. Agriculture
c. Banking
d. Quarrying

Answer 1

Human activities which generate income are referred to as economic activities. Economic activities are broadly categorised into primary, secondary, tertiary activities. Primary activities are those activities that are directly dependent on the environment.

Complete answer:
Primary activities are directly dependent on the environment as these activities utilises earth’s resources such as land, water, vegetation, building materials and minerals. People involved in primary activities are known as red-collar workers because of the outdoor nature of their work.

Now, let us take a look at the options one by one.
• Option A. Mining: It is a primary activity because it involves extracting minerals from below the surface of the earth. Hence, it is not the correct option.

• Option B. Agriculture: It is a primary activity because it is linked with the extraction and production of natural resources. It includes growing crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers and rearing livestock. Hence, it is not the correct option.

• Option C. Banking: It is included in the tertiary sector, also known as the service industry. This sector is involved in selling the goods developed by the secondary sector and also provides commercial services to both the general population and to businesses in all the economic sectors. It is the correct option as Banking is not a primary activity.

• Option D. Quarrying: It is also a primary activity that involves extracting minerals directly from the surface of the Earth. Hence, it is not the correct option.

Hence the correct answer is option (c).

Note: Economic activities are broadly categorised into primary, secondary, tertiary activities. The secondary activities transform raw materials into valuable products. People engaged in secondary activities are known as blue-collar workers.