Final answer:
The matching for market structures and examples is: 1 - Oligopoly for computer operating systems, 2 - Monopolistic competition for fast food restaurants, 3 - Near monopoly for online auctioning, and 4 - Monopolistic/pure competition for car makers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In economics, there are various types of market structures that define how firms operate and compete with one another. Matching the type of market structure with the given examples involves understanding the characteristics of pure competition, a near monopoly, monopolistic competition, and an oligopoly.
- Oligopoly: The computer operating systems market is best described as an oligopoly. This market is dominated by a few companies like Microsoft and Apple, which have high barriers to entry and strategically make pricing and output decisions.
- Monopolistic Competition: Fast food restaurants are a classic example of monopolistic competition, where many firms sell differentiated products that are not perfect substitutes, like burgers from McDonald's versus burgers from Wendy's.
- Near Monopoly: Online auctioning is largely dominated by eBay, making it a near monopoly, where one company has predominant control over a market.
- Pure Competition: Car makers operate in a market that has many sellers, differentiated products, and free entry and exit, which fits into pure competition or monopolistic competition. However, given the fewer options, it may lean more towards monopolistic competition.