Final answer:
The lines on Earth measured from the equator towards the poles are called parallels, or lines of latitude. They range from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees at the poles, with notable lines including the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle, and Antarctic Circle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lines on the Earth that are measured off the equator towards the North and South Poles are called parallels or lines of latitude. These lines of latitude are numbered from 0 to 90 degrees going toward each of the poles. The equator itself represents 0 degrees latitude and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. North of the equator, the lines are called north latitude, and they are denoted by the letter "N." South of the equator, the lines are called south latitude, and they are indicated by the letter "S." The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are important parallels that lie at 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, respectively. Further towards the poles, the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle can be found at 66.5 degrees from the equator. The North and South Poles are at 90 degrees latitude.