Certified Travel Agent Practice Test

What does the Prime Meridian signify?

1. A line of latitude

2. A line of longitude

3. A coordinate system

4. The boundary of two time zones

The correct answer is: A line of longitude

The Prime Meridian signifies a line of longitude, specifically the designated zero degrees longitude that serves as the starting point for measuring degrees of east and west. It runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and passes through Greenwich, England. This line is foundational for the global coordinate system used in navigation and mapping, which categorizes longitudes east and west of the Prime Meridian. Latitude lines, on the other hand, run horizontally and measure distances north and south of the Equator. Therefore, while the option regarding latitude might seem relevant in the context of geographic coordinates, it is not related to the function or significance of the Prime Meridian. The concept of a coordinate system is broader, encompassing both latitude and longitude, but the Prime Meridian itself specifically pertains to longitude. Similarly, while the Prime Meridian does play a role in the establishment of time zones, it is not correct to define it solely as a boundary of two time zones, as time zones are established primarily based on longitudinal divisions, with the Prime Meridian itself being the reference point from which local times are calculated.