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The equator serves 'as the dividing line when the
Earth is divided into Northern and Southern hemispheres. The E~rth can be divided into hemispheres in
other ways as ell.
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, One way is Ito group continents into Eastern and
Western hemispheres. The Eastern Hemisphere includes the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa" and
Australia. ThJIWestern Hemisphere includes the continents of Norih America and South America. This division may ha~e been established by early mapmakers
and explorers. ~ost of these people came from Europe.
To them, the .1 est~rn He~isphere was west.
Two sets of 1 ragmary lines are used to locate places
on the Earth. East-west lines are called parallels.
North-south lines are called meridians. When .placed
over each other, the lines form a pattern called .a grid.
Parallels are used to measure distance from the
equator, either north or south. This distance is called
latitude and is measured in degrees (0). Parallels are
often called lines of latitude. The North Pole is at
90° north latitude,,?r 900N Lat. The South Pole is
at 90° south latitude, or 90°SLat.
There are other special parallels. The Arctic Circle
and the Tropic of, Cancer are north of the equator.
The Antarctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn are
south of the equator.
Oceans and tntinen".
U•• 'he drawings on 'hi, page
to help you answer the following questions.
Special Parallels.
Use the 'drawings on this page to help
you answer the questions below.
L In which tJ hemispheres is most of North America
located? _-1+1
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L Which special parallel is found at 66Y2°N?
2. In which tIulbe hemispheres is Africa located?
2. Which special parallel is found at 23Y20S?
3. In which tw~ hemispheres is Europe located?
3. Which three continents extend north of 66Y2ON?
4. In which three hemispheres is Antarctica located?
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4. Which ocean is located north of 661f2°N?
5. In which t '10 hemispheres is most of Asia located?
5. Through which three continents does the Tropic
of Cancer pass?
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6. In which tJ ee hemispheres is South
located? _-1+7. In which
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America
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hemispheres is Australia located?
6. Through which three continents does the Tropic
of Capricorn pass?
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