NGS Earth Science Ch 03 -Section 2: Models of Earth

What is the main difference between a map and a globe?

• A map is used for navigation, while a globe is used for decoration.

• A map shows only countries, while a globe shows continents.

• A map is a flat model, while a globe is a spherical model.

• A map is always more accurate than a globe.

Answer explanation

The main difference is that a map is a flat representation of geographical areas, while a globe is a three-dimensional, spherical model that accurately depicts the Earth's shape and proportions.

Where would you find the equator on a map?

• At the top of the map

• In the middle of the map

• At the bottom of the map

• On the left side of the map

Answer explanation

The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. On a map, it is typically represented in the middle, making 'In the middle of the map' the correct choice.

What is the purpose of a map's scale bar?

• To display the map's title

• To indicate the map's age

• To measure distance on the map

• To show the direction of north

Answer explanation

The scale bar on a map is used to measure distance, allowing users to understand the real-world distances represented on the map. This is essential for navigation and spatial analysis.

What do map symbols represent?

• Only water bodies

• Both natural and artificial features

• Only artificial features

• Only natural features

Answer explanation

Map symbols represent both natural and artificial features, such as mountains, rivers, roads, and buildings. This comprehensive representation helps users understand the landscape and human-made structures on a map.

Tags

NGSS.4-ESS2-2

What is a map projection?

• A way to draw maps without any distortion

• A type of map that shows only continents

• A tool to measure distances on a map

• A method to display a 3D Earth on a flat map

Answer explanation

A map projection is a method to display a 3D Earth on a flat map, allowing us to represent geographical features while managing distortions in shape, area, distance, or direction.

Which map projection distorts land near the poles?

• Conic projection

• Cylindrical projection

• Equal-area projection

• Mercator projection

Answer explanation

The Mercator projection distorts land near the poles by enlarging their size relative to areas near the equator. This makes polar regions appear much larger than they actually are, which is a key characteristic of this projection.

What is the prime meridian?

• A line that runs parallel to the equator

• A line that marks the boundary between land and sea

• An imaginary line dividing the Earth into Western and Eastern Hemispheres

• An imaginary line dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres

Answer explanation

The prime meridian is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into Western and Eastern Hemispheres, running from the North Pole to the South Pole. It is not parallel to the equator or a boundary between land and sea.

What unit is used to measure latitude and longitude?

• Miles

• Kilometers

• Degrees

• Meters

Answer explanation

Latitude and longitude are measured in degrees, which indicate the angular distance of a point from the equator and the prime meridian, respectively. Therefore, the correct answer is degrees.

What is the purpose of grid lines on maps and globes?

• To show the map's age

• To indicate the map's scale

• To display the map's title

• To help locate positions on Earth

Answer explanation

Grid lines on maps and globes are essential for helping locate positions on Earth. They provide a coordinate system, allowing users to identify specific locations using latitude and longitude.

Which type of map projection uses straight lines for longitude and curved lines for latitude?

• Cylindrical projection

• Conic projection

• Equal-area projection

• Mercator projection

Answer explanation

The conic projection uses straight lines for longitude and curved lines for latitude, making it suitable for mapping mid-latitude regions. In contrast, cylindrical projections have straight lines for both, and Mercator is a type of cylindrical projection.