Final answer:
The example of the external natural environment for a manufacturer of metal lawn furniture is D. A flood at the manufacturer's main warehouse. This event is a natural disaster that affects the company's operations and supply chain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The external natural environment for a manufacturer of metal lawn furniture refers to the natural factors outside the company that can affect its supply chain and operations. In the context of the options provided, D. A flood at the manufacturer's main warehouse is an example of an external natural environment event. Such an event directly impacts the manufacturer's ability to produce and store goods, creating disruptions in the supply chain.
External natural environments can include a variety of events such as weather conditions, natural disasters, and changes in the natural landscape that affect the availability of resources or the manufacturer's capacity to operate. Examples of these are good weather that improves supply or a rise in oil prices that can increase transportation costs.
It is important to differentiate between external natural environments and other external factors such as consumer trends or competitive pricing, which fall under social and economic environments rather than natural ones.