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?

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

mcqeasy

With reference to the shape of the Earth, consider the following statements:

The Earth is a perfect sphere with no irregularities.
It is slightly flattened at the North and South Poles.
It has a bulge in the middle.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Earth is not a perfect geometric sphere. Its shape is scientifically described as an oblate spheroid or, more specifically, a Geoid (meaning "Earth-shaped"). This deviation from a perfect sphere is primarily due to the centrifugal force generated by the Earth's rotation on its axis.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Earth is not a perfect sphere. While it appears spherical from space, precise measurements reveal irregularities and a specific distortion caused by rotation.

Statement 2 is Correct: The Earth is slightly flattened at the North and South Poles. This compression is a result of the planet's rotation, which reduces the polar diameter relative to the equatorial diameter.

Statement 3 is Correct: The Earth has a bulge in the middle (at the Equator). The centrifugal force is strongest at the equator, pushing mass outward. Consequently, the equatorial radius is approximately 21 kilometers longer than the polar radius.

Key Takeaway: The Earth's shape is an oblate spheroid, characterized by a bulge at the equator and flattening at the poles, a shape collectively termed as a Geoid.

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?

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

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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?

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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

Consider the following statements regarding Parallels of Latitude: 1. All parallel circles from the equator up to the poles are called parallels of latitudes. 2. The size of the parallels of latitude increases as we move away from the equator. 3. They are measured in degrees. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Earth is not a perfect sphere. While it appears spherical from space, precise measurements reveal irregularities and a specific distortion caused by rotation.

Key Takeaway: The Earth's shape is an oblate spheroid, characterized by a bulge at the equator and flattening at the poles, a shape collectively termed as a Geoid.