Final answer:
Sea transportation generally has the greatest capacity, with container ships playing a crucial role in international trade despite the energy required to propel them. Air transport is efficient per unit but uses significant energy for long distances. The use of oil has significantly increased transportation capacity compared to animal-powered methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering which mode of transportation has the greatest capacity, we need to examine factors such as efficiency, the ability to carry large volumes or masses, and energy expenditure. Despite the difficulties in achieving electric drive for these transportation modes, each plays a vital role in global supply chains. Comparing rail, air, sea, and pipeline transportation on the basis of capability to move large quantities, sea transportation generally comes out on top.
Container ships, although challenging to propel, have a substantial capacity for moving large amounts of goods across oceans, making them a crucial component of international trade. Air transport can be efficient on a per-passenger or per-ton basis, but the total energy required for long distances is significant. Compared to transportation by animals, the advent of oil production has vastly expanded human capacity for transportation, largely through petroleum-powered vehicles.