Final answer:
Conic projections are ideal for mapping mid-latitude regions with east-west orientation and minimal distortion, such as North America and Europe, compared to Mercator projections which distort sizes, especially away from the equator.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conic projections are maps that are created by projecting the surface of the Earth onto a cone that touches or intersects with the Earth. These types of projections are particularly suitable for portraying areas with east-west orientation and are commonly used for mapping mid-latitude regions where there is more distortion in the polar and equatorial extremities when using other projections, like the Mercator. In a conic projection, the area of focus -- typically between two lines of latitude known as standard parallels -- is represented with minimal distortion, which is why it is often used for countries and regions such as the United States and Europe. Distortions in size, shape, and distance start to increase outside of these standard parallels.