Question

what are the lines on a map that run in an east-west direction and measure disance north and south of the equator

Answer 1

The imaginary lines circling the globe in an east-west direction are called the lines of latitude (or parallels, as they are parallel to the equator). They are used to measure distances north and south of the equator. The lines circling the globe in a north-south direction are called lines of longitude (or meridians).