Which industry is characterized by the manufacturing and processing of raw materials into finished products?

The secondary industry is characterized by transforming raw materials into finished products. This sector encompasses manufacturing and processing activities where raw materials sourced from the primary industry—such as agriculture, fishing, forestry, and mining—are taken and converted into goods that can be sold to consumers or other businesses.

For example, steel production from iron ore, textile manufacturing from cotton, and automobile assembly from various components all fall within the secondary industry. This sector plays a vital role in the economy by adding value to raw materials and creating products that meet consumer demand.

The other industries mentioned have different functions: the primary industry focuses on extracting and harvesting natural resources; the tertiary industry provides services rather than goods; and the quaternary industry involves knowledge-based activities, including research and development, rather than the direct production of physical goods. Thus, the identification of the secondary industry as the correct answer highlights its role in the processing phase of production, essential for economic development and employment.