Final answer:
The tertiary sector involves the provision of services like retail, transportation, and healthcare, which is option C: The sale of goods and services. It represents a significant part of the economy, accounting for over three-quarters of the US GDP.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tertiary Sector of the Economy
The tertiary sector involves the provision of services rather than the production of physical goods. This includes a vast array of services such as retail, transportation, financial services, healthcare, tourism, education, and entertainment. The correct answer to the question is option C: The sale of goods and services. These activities can range from selling shoes in a retail store to providing complex financial advice in the banking sector. One key aspect of the tertiary sector is its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), where it accounts for more than three-quarters of the US economy. The rise in service jobs has been significant since the 1970s, underlining the growth and importance of the tertiary sector within modern economies.
In contrast, the primary sector is comprised of activities such as farming, fishing, and mining, while the secondary sector typically refers to the manufacturing and processing of raw materials. The quaternary sector extends the service sector concept into areas that involve knowledge-based activities such as information technology, research and development, and higher education.