Select the item with the highest embodied energy for a typical American. A. Organically grown oranges transported 500 miles by truck B. Pineapple imported by air from Costa Rica C. Sweet corn produced locally using synthetic fertilizer D. Green beans grown in the backyard garden

B: Pineapple imported by air from Costa Rica

Explanation:

Embodied energy is the total energy that is required for the extraction, processing, manufacture and transportation of materials to its intended usage destination.

This means highest embodied energy will be the work that demands the most energy for extraction, processing, manufacture and transportation of materials to its intended usage destination.

Looking at the options given, the one with the highest embodied energy will be "Pineapple imported by air from Costa Rica". This is because other options are done locally and thus will consume lesser energy and processing time unlike the pineapple that is coming from another country and by air.