What does the prime meridian divide?

The prime meridian divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. It is defined as 0 degrees longitude and is the starting point for measuring longitude. The line runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and serves as a reference point for geolocation.

Understanding the significance of the prime meridian helps in various geographical contexts. For example, locations east of the prime meridian are in the Eastern Hemisphere, while locations west of it are in the Western Hemisphere. This division is crucial for navigation, timekeeping, and understanding global geography.

In contrast, the other options refer to different divisions: the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are separated by the equator, the temperate and tropical zones are climate-related classifications, and urban and rural areas pertain to land use and development, which are not influenced by the prime meridian's longitude.