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Multiple Choice

What are lines on the Earth's surface that run parallel to the equator called?

Parallels are the lines that circle the Earth east-west at a constant distance from the equator, and they define the lines of latitude. Each parallel corresponds to a specific latitude value, indicating how far north or south you are from the equator. These lines run in the same direction as the equator, never cross each other, and help distinguish locations north or south of the equator. This distinguishes them from meridians, which run north-south and intersect at the poles. The other terms don’t describe latitude lines: a meridian is the north-south family of lines; isoplets isn’t a standard term for latitude lines; an aeronautical chart is a type of map, not a single line.

Parallels are the lines that circle the Earth east-west at a constant distance from the equator, and they define the lines of latitude. Each parallel corresponds to a specific latitude value, indicating how far north or south you are from the equator. These lines run in the same direction as the equator, never cross each other, and help distinguish locations north or south of the equator. This distinguishes them from meridians, which run north-south and intersect at the poles. The other terms don’t describe latitude lines: a meridian is the north-south family of lines; isoplets isn’t a standard term for latitude lines; an aeronautical chart is a type of map, not a single line.