The ___ is used as the starting point for measuring latitude.

The equator is used as the starting point for measuring latitude. It sits at 0 degrees latitude and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Every degree of latitude above or below the equator is measured in degrees, with the North Pole at 90 degrees north and the South Pole at 90 degrees south. When it comes to practical applications, knowing your latitude is vital in navigation and mapping. Sailors and aviators rely on it to plot courses across the globe, while geographers and scientists use it to understand climate patterns, biodiversity, and ecosystems, ensuring that our knowledge of the Earth is both comprehensive and actionable!