NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 1: Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes

mcqmedium

With reference to the parallels of latitude, which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThey are measured in degrees.
B90 degrees north latitude is a point.
CThe equator is the largest parallel.
DAll parallels are of equal length.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

All parallels are of equal length.

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 relative to the equatorial plane.

Option Analysis:

They are measured in degrees. is Correct: Latitude is the angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the center of the Earth.
The equator is the largest parallel. is Correct: The equator (0° latitude) is the longest parallel and is known as a Great Circle. It divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
All parallels are of equal length. is Incorrect: Since the Earth is spherical (specifically an oblate spheroid), the circumference of the parallels decreases as one moves from the equator toward the poles. The equator is the longest, and the circles get progressively smaller at higher latitudes.
90 degrees north latitude is a point. is Correct: At 90° North and 90° South, the circles of latitude shrink to zero circumference, becoming single points known as the North Pole and South Pole, respectively.

Key Takeaway: Unlike meridians of longitude, which are all of equal length, parallels of latitude vary in length, decreasing from the equator to the poles.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes

Consider the following statements regarding the naming of latitudes: 1. All parallels north of the equator are called 'north latitudes'. 2. All parallels south of the equator are called 'western latitudes'. 3. The value of latitude is followed by the letter 'N' or 'S'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the "Torrid Zone"?

easy

With reference to the shape of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The Earth is a perfect sphere with no irregularities. 2. It is slightly flattened at the North and South Poles. 3. It has a bulge in the middle. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the Globe: 1. It is a true miniature model of the Earth. 2. On a globe, countries and continents are shown in their correct size, but oceans are not. 3. The globe is fixed and cannot be rotated. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the axis of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The axis is a real needle passing through the North and South Poles. 2. The Earth moves around its axis from West to East. 3. The axis is an imaginary line. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes

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The correct option is

All parallels are of equal length.

Explanation

Option Analysis:

They are measured in degrees. is Correct: Latitude is the angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the center of the Earth.
The equator is the largest parallel. is Correct: The equator (0° latitude) is the longest parallel and is known as a Great Circle. It divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
All parallels are of equal length. is Incorrect: Since the Earth is spherical (specifically an oblate spheroid), the circumference of the parallels decreases as one moves from the equator toward the poles. The equator is the longest, and the circles get progressively smaller at higher latitudes.
90 degrees north latitude is a point. is Correct: At 90° North and 90° South, the circles of latitude shrink to zero circumference, becoming single points known as the North Pole and South Pole, respectively.

Key Takeaway: Unlike meridians of longitude, which are all of equal length, parallels of latitude vary in length, decreasing from the equator to the poles.