The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Latitude is the angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the center of the Earth. The system of latitudes uses the Equator as the fundamental reference plane.Statement 1 is Correct: The Equator is an imaginary circular line running around the middle of the Earth, dividing it into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It represents the zero degree (0°) latitude.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The distance from the Equator to either of the poles is one-fourth of a circle round the Earth, not one-half. Since a full circle measures 360 degrees, the angular distance from the Equator (0°) to a Pole (90°) is 90 degrees. This corresponds to .
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The 90 degrees North latitude marks the North Pole. The Arctic Circle is a distinct parallel of latitude located at approximately 66½° North (66.5° N).
Key Takeaway: The four major parallels of latitude besides the Equator are the Tropic of Cancer (23½° N), the Tropic of Capricorn (23½° S), the Arctic Circle (66½° N), and the Antarctic Circle (66½° S). The poles are points located at 90° N and 90° S.