HISET Social Studies Practice

What features does a physical map display?

1. Mountains, hills, plains, rivers, and lakes

2. Political boundaries and capitals

3. Temperature and rainfall patterns

4. Cultural landmarks and history

The correct answer is: Mountains, hills, plains, rivers, and lakes

A physical map is specifically designed to illustrate the natural features of the Earth's surface. It displays topographical aspects such as mountains, hills, plains, rivers, and lakes. These elements help users understand the geography of a region, including its elevation, landforms, and bodies of water. While the other options refer to different kinds of maps, they do not align with the primary purpose of a physical map. For instance, political boundaries and capitals are typically shown on political maps. Temperature and rainfall patterns are presented in climate maps, while cultural landmarks and historical sites would be found on thematic or cultural maps. Thus, the key function of a physical map is to highlight the physical characteristics of a landscape, making option A the correct choice.