The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Parallels of latitude are imaginary circles running east-west around the Earth, parallel to the equator. They are used to determine the north-south position of a location.- Statement 1 is Correct: All parallel circles drawn from the equator up to the poles are defined as parallels of latitude. The equator represents the zero-degree latitude and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The size (circumference) of the parallels of latitude decreases as one moves away from the equator towards the poles. The equator is the largest circle (Great Circle), while the circles become progressively smaller towards the poles, eventually becoming points at the North and South Poles.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Latitudes are measured in degrees (°), minutes ('), and seconds ("). They represent the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator.
Key Takeaway: Parallels of latitude are concentric circles measured in degrees; their size diminishes from the equator (the largest circle) to the poles (points).