Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What do contour lines on a map indicate?

1. Depth of water bodies.

2. Type of landscape features.

3. Elevation and topography.

4. Type of soil present.

The correct answer is: Elevation and topography.

Contour lines on a map are essential tools for understanding the elevation and topography of an area. Each contour line represents a specific elevation above a reference point, typically sea level. When contour lines are closely spaced, it indicates a steep slope, while lines that are farther apart suggest a gentler slope. By analyzing the arrangement and spacing of these lines, one can infer the three-dimensional shape of the terrain, including features such as hills, valleys, and ridges. This is vital information for various applications, including land surveying, construction planning, and outdoor activities like hiking. The other options do not accurately represent what contour lines convey. For instance, depth of water bodies is typically shown using bathymetric lines rather than contour lines, and while landscape features may be indicated indirectly through the contour lines, they do not specify types. Similarly, the type of soil present is not determined by contour lines; soil characteristics are usually assessed through different methods and information layers.