Which one of the following types of economic activities dominates in all rural settlements ?

Rural settlements are fundamentally characterized by their direct dependence on the environment and land-based resources. According to geographic classifications, rural settlements consist of sparsely located small villages that specialize in primary activities [2]. These activities involve the extraction and utilization of natural resources, including agriculture, pastoralism, fishing, forestry, and mining [4]. While urban settlements are defined by their focus on secondary (manufacturing) and tertiary (services) sectors, rural settlements derive their basic economic needs and life support from primary economic activities [2]. In these areas, the majority of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities like livestock keeping and dairy farming . Consequently, the primary sector serves as the foundation of rural economies, distinguishing them from the heterogeneous and service-oriented nature of urban centers [2].

Sources

1. [2] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Human Settlements > HUMAN SETTLEMENTS > p. 15
2. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Primary Activities > Primary Activities > p. 22
3. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 14: Settlements > CLASSIFICATION OF SETTLEMENTS > p. 0