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A conic map projection is designed to display the curved surface of the Earth as it is projected onto a cone. This method involves placing a cone over a part of the Earth's surface, which allows for certain areas, often those that are mid-latitude, to be represented with reduced distortion. The resulting projection is particularly effective for mapping regions with greater east-west than north-south extent, as it can maintain accurate shapes and areas within those specified regions.

In contrast, flat shapes of countries and regions would pertain to different types of map projections, such as rectangular or planar projections. The detailed climate zones are usually represented in thematic maps rather than standard projections, while straight lines of latitude and longitude characterize a grid system rather than a conic projection’s specific representation of the Earth’s surface. Thus, option A accurately describes the essence of conic map projections.