What term describes items essential for survival?

The term that describes items essential for survival is "needs." Needs refer to the basic requirements that individuals must fulfill in order to sustain their lives and maintain a minimum standard of living. This includes necessities such as food, water, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.

Understanding the distinction between needs and other concepts is key. Wants are desires for goods and services that are not essential for survival, such as luxury items or entertainment. Goods are tangible products that satisfy consumers' needs and wants but do not inherently indicate whether they are essential. Services are intangible actions performed to meet needs or wants, like healthcare or education, but they again differ from the basic concept of survival essentials. Thus, needs specifically address what is required for existence and well-being, making it the correct choice in this context.