The concept of specialization in an economy is best illustrated by which of the following?

Specialization in an economy refers to the process where individuals or groups concentrate on a narrow range of tasks or activities in order to improve efficiency and productivity. When individuals focus on specific tasks, they can develop expertise and skill in those areas, leading to faster production times and higher quality outputs.

This concept is foundational in economics because it allows for greater overall efficiency in the economy. For example, in a manufacturing setting, one worker may specialize in assembling a certain part, while another focuses on quality control. This division of labor enables them to work more effectively than if each were to perform all tasks themselves, as they become more adept at their specific roles.

The other options do not effectively illustrate the concept of specialization. Generalization of professions implies a broad skill set rather than a focused skill, which is the opposite of specialization. Bartering goods and services refers more to the exchange of goods rather than the division of labor. Lastly, the equal distribution of resources does not relate to specialization, which inherently involves differences in roles and tasks to maximize productivity. Thus, focusing on specific tasks to increase efficiency is the clearest representation of specialization in an economy.