Which statement accurately describes the continents the equator passes through?

• A. It passes through Africa, Asia, and South America
• B. It passes through Africa, Europe, and Asia
• C. It passes through Africa and Asia only
• D. It passes through Africa, Asia, and Europe

Answer: (A)

The equator is the imaginary belt around the middle of the Earth at 0 degrees latitude that splits the globe into northern and southern halves. As it circles the planet, it crosses three continents: Africa, Asia, and South America. In Africa it passes through several countries near the equator; in Asia it crosses the Indonesian archipelago; in South America it runs through countries like Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil. This combination—Africa, Asia, and South America—is the accurate description of the continents the equator passes through. Europe and Australia aren’t touched by the equator, which is why options that include them or omit South America don’t fit.