Question

For each set of terms below, choose the one term that does not belong and explain why it does not belong. $$ \text { prime meridian-equator-folded mountain } $$

Short answer

'Folded mountain' does not belong because it is a physical feature, unlike the imaginary lines 'prime meridian' and 'equator.'

Step-by-step solution

Identify Each Term

First, identify each of the given terms: 'prime meridian,' 'equator,' and 'folded mountain.' The prime meridian and the equator are both imaginary lines on Earth's surface. The folded mountain is a geological formation on Earth's surface.

Determine Characteristics

Understand the characteristics of each term. The 'prime meridian' is a longitudinal line at 0° running from the North Pole to the South Pole. The 'equator' is a latitudinal line at 0° encircling Earth's widest point. 'Folded mountain' describes mountains formed from the collision of tectonic plates.

Analyze Commonality

Compare the concepts represented by the terms. The prime meridian and equator are both important imaginary geographic lines used in navigation and mapping, while 'folded mountain' refers to a physical structure created by natural geological processes.

Identify the Odd Term Out

Conclude that while the prime meridian and equator are both related as imaginary lines that divide sections of the Earth, the 'folded mountain' describes a natural physical feature. Thus, 'folded mountain' does not belong in this set.

Key concepts

Prime Meridian

The prime meridian is one of the key imaginary lines on the Earth's surface crucial for mapping and navigation. It is established at 0° longitude and runs from the North Pole to the South Pole.

The prime meridian passes through Greenwich, England, which is why it's also referred to as the Greenwich Meridian. This line is significant in dividing the Eastern and Western Hemispheres of the Earth. Here are a few important points about the prime meridian:

• The choice of Greenwich as the prime meridian was formalized at the International Meridian Conference in 1884.
• It serves as the starting point for measuring longitude east and west, which is why all locations are identified as a certain distance from it.
• The time at the prime meridian is known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Many time zones of the world are defined as either an offset ahead of or behind GMT.

Understanding the prime meridian is essential for navigation, as it is a key reference point in the coordinate system used to locate any place on Earth.

Equator

The equator is a vital imaginary line encircling the Earth, located at 0° latitude. It divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Because the equator is at the Earth's widest point, it is equidistant from both poles, marking an essential climate and navigation line. Here are some key aspects of the equator:

• Regions along the equator experience a tropical climate with minimal seasonal temperature changes, due to consistent sunlight exposure throughout the year.
• The concept of latitude begins at the equator, with latitudes increasing as one moves towards the poles.
• It is the only line of latitude that is a great circle, essentially splitting the Earth into two equal halves.

The equator’s unique positioning makes it crucial in global climate patterns and weather circulations, as well as in navigation and global mapping efforts.

Folded Mountain

Folded mountains are majestic features that result from the immense forces of tectonic plate movements. They form when two tectonic plates collide, causing the Earth's crust to crumple and fold. Unlike the imaginary lines of the prime meridian and equator, folded mountains are tangible geological formations that shape landscapes.

Some important points about folded mountains include:

• They often form at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates push against each other.
• The process of folding creates distinct, often sharp, ridges in the landscape, leading to breathtaking terrains.
• Examples of folded mountains include the Himalayas, the Alps, and the Andes.

Folded mountains are crucial to understanding Earth's geological activity and the processes that have shaped the planet over millions of years. Unlike the prime meridian and equator, which are concepts used for orientation and mapping, folded mountains have a profound, physical presence and influence on our surroundings.