Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What does latitude measure in relation to a location on Earth?

1. The distance east or west from the Prime Meridian

2. The distance north or south from the equator

3. The elevation above sea level

4. The angle of incidence of sunlight

The correct answer is: The distance north or south from the equator

Latitude measures the distance north or south of the equator, which is at 0 degrees latitude. It is an essential component of the geographic coordinate system, allowing us to pinpoint specific locations on the Earth’s surface relative to the equator. Lines of latitude, also known as parallels, run parallel to the equator and are used to define how far a place is from this central line. They range from 0 degrees at the equator up to 90 degrees at the poles. This system provides a clear way of understanding a location's climate, day length, and seasons based on its position relative to the equator. In contrast, measuring distance east or west from the Prime Meridian relates to longitude, not latitude. Elevation above sea level is concerned with altitude rather than geographic position, while the angle of incidence of sunlight pertains to solar angles and their variations throughout the year, which is a separate concept from measuring geographic coordinates.