The horizontal lines of latitude are called "parallels" because they run parallel to the Equator. Imagine them as horizontal "hula hoops" around the Earth.

The latitude line numbers measure how far north or south of the Equator a place is. The Equator has the number 0 degrees latitude, and the numbers will be larger the further away from the Equator up to 90 degrees. Latitude locations are given as __ degrees North or __ degrees South.

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Photo credit:Illinois State Univ.