What term describes distance measured in degrees, north and south of the equator?

The term that describes the distance measured in degrees north and south of the equator is latitude. Latitude is a geographical coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is expressed in degrees, with the equator designated as 0 degrees latitude. As one moves towards the poles, the latitude increases to 90 degrees north at the North Pole and 90 degrees south at the South Pole.

Longitude, on the other hand, measures distance east and west of the Prime Meridian, making it specific to a different dimension of geographic positioning. Altitude refers to the height above sea level, and the equator is a specific line that is essential for understanding latitude but does not itself represent a measurement system. Therefore, latitude specifically addresses the concept of distance in degrees relative to the equator.