Which statement accurately describes a 60-degree line of latitude?

• A. It is a great circle.
• B. It is the equator.
• C. It is a small circle parallel to the equator.
• D. It passes through the poles.

Answer: (C)

Latitude lines run east-west and measure how far north or south you are from the equator. The equator, at 0°, is a great circle because its plane passes through Earth's center. All other lines of latitude are smaller circles, lying in planes parallel to the equatorial plane. A 60-degree line of latitude sits 60° north or south of the equator, so its circle is smaller than the equator and it does not reach the poles. Therefore, it is a small circle parallel to the equator.