What geographical concept describes the North-South positioning on the Earth?

Latitude refers to the geographical concept that describes the North-South positioning on the Earth. It is measured in degrees, ranging from 0 degrees at the Equator to 90 degrees at the poles (North and South). Latitude lines run horizontally and are parallel to the Equator, which divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This system of measurement allows us to pinpoint specific locations on the globe in terms of their distance north or south of the Equator.

In contrast, longitude measures the East-West positioning and is defined by lines that run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole. Altitude refers to the height of an object in relation to sea level, while the Equator itself is an important reference point that represents zero degrees latitude. Therefore, latitude is the critical element that denotes the North-South positioning on the Earth.