HISET Social Studies Practice

What do contour lines on a map connect?

1. Points of different climates

2. Landforms with similar vegetation

3. Points of equal elevation

4. Areas of historical significance

The correct answer is: Points of equal elevation

Contour lines on a map connect points of equal elevation, providing a way to visualize the terrain and understand the topography of an area. These lines indicate the height of the land above or below sea level, allowing users to see how steep or flat a landscape is. By following these lines, one can discern hills, valleys, and slopes, making contour lines essential for topographical maps used in various fields, such as geography, hiking, and urban planning. The other choices do not accurately describe what contour lines represent. For example, while different climates and vegetation types are important geographic features, they are not depicted using contour lines on maps. Historical significance also does not relate to elevation directly and is typically shown through different types of symbols or annotations rather than contour lines.