What are parallels of latitude?

Parallels of latitude are defined as the lines that run east-west on a map, marking distances north or south of the equator. These lines are used to measure how far a location is from the equatorial line, which is at 0 degrees latitude. Each parallel has a specific degree measurement, such as 10°, 20°, and so on, indicating how far it is from the equator. This geographical system allows for the precise navigation and location of points on the Earth's surface based on their latitude coordinates.

The other options describe different geographical concepts. Lines that connect the poles represent meridians of longitude, which run north-south and measure distances east or west of the Prime Meridian. Points of equal elevation refer to contour lines used in topographic maps, while regions defined by a specific longitude would pertain to longitude lines, which are not the same as parallels of latitude.