Question

Distinguish between the equator and prime meridian.

Answer 1

Aspect	Equator	Prime Meridian
Definition	The Equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.	The Prime Meridian is the meridian (line of longitude) with zero degrees longitude, dividing the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
Location	Circles the Earth horizontally, equidistant from the poles, at 0° latitude.	Runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, passing through Greenwich, London at 0° longitude.
Type of line	A circle of latitude (parallel).	A meridian (line of longitude), specifically the 0° meridian.
Length	It is the longest circle of latitude (largest circumference around the Earth).	It is a semi-circle running from pole to pole.
Function	Divides Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres; reference for latitude.	Divides Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres; reference for longitude and time zones.
Measurement	Latitude is measured in degrees north or south from the Equator.	Longitude is measured in degrees east or west from the Prime Meridian.