Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Latitude is the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator, usually expressed in degrees and minutes. The equator represents the zero degree latitude and divides the earth into two equal halves.
Statement 1 is Correct:
The equator divides the earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. All parallels (lines of latitude) located north of the equator are technically referred to as 'north latitudes'.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
All parallels located south of the equator are referred to as 'south latitudes'. The terms 'eastern' and 'western' are used for longitudes, which measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
Statement 3 is Correct:
To distinguish between the two hemispheres, the numerical value of a latitude is conventionally followed by the letter 'N' if it is north of the equator, or 'S' if it is south of the equator.
Key Takeaway:
Latitudes indicate position North (N) or South (S) relative to the Equator, whereas Longitudes indicate position East (E) or West (W) relative to the Prime Meridian.