What type of industry provides services rather than goods?

The tertiary industry is the correct answer because it encompasses a wide range of services that support the economy rather than the production of goods. This includes sectors such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, finance, and entertainment. The defining characteristic of the tertiary industry is its focus on providing services directly to consumers and businesses, which distinguishes it from industries that primarily produce tangible products.

In contrast, primary industry refers to the extraction and harvesting of natural resources, such as agriculture, mining, and forestry, while the secondary industry involves the manufacturing and industrial processes that transform raw materials into finished products. Quaternary industry, although also service-oriented, focuses specifically on knowledge-based services, including research, development, and information technology. The fundamental distinction lies in the broader range of services offered in the tertiary industry compared to the more specialized nature of the quaternary industry.