Which sector is directly involved in obtaining raw materials from the earth?

The primary sector is directly involved in obtaining raw materials from the earth. This sector includes activities such as agriculture, mining, forestry, and fishing, all of which focus on extracting natural resources necessary for production. The goods produced in the primary sector are often unprocessed or minimally processed materials that serve as the foundation for manufacturing and further economic activities.

In contrast, the secondary sector refers to the manufacturing and industrial processes that transform raw materials from the primary sector into finished goods, such as factories assembling automobiles or producing electronics. The tertiary sector is focused on services—everything from retail to healthcare—that do not directly involve the extraction of resources or production of goods. The quaternary sector deals with knowledge-based services, like research and development, and is also not focused on the extraction of raw materials. Therefore, the primary sector is uniquely characterized by its direct engagement in obtaining the earth's raw resources.