Which of the following is NOT considered scarce according to the economic definition of scarcity?

• A. Fresh water in a desert
• B. Labor in a growing economy
• C. Land in a crowded city
• D. Clean air in an uninhabited wilderness

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the economic definition of scarcity. Scarcity means that a resource is limited in supply relative to the demand for it, so it is not freely available in sufficient quantities to satisfy all wants.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option to determine if it is scarce. For example, fresh water in a desert is scarce because it is limited and highly demanded.
3. Step 3: Consider labor in a growing economy. Labor can be scarce if there are not enough workers to meet the demand for jobs, so it is typically considered scarce.
4. Step 4: Evaluate land in a crowded city. Land is scarce in this context because there is limited space and high demand for it.
5. Step 5: Examine clean air in an uninhabited wilderness. Since it is abundant and freely available without competition, it is not scarce according to the economic definition.