Which feature is typically shown on a political map but not on a physical map?

Which feature is typically shown on a political map but not on a physical map?

• A. Borders
• B. Elevation
• C. Landforms
• D. Water depth

Answer: (A)

Understanding how political and physical maps differ helps explain why borders appear on political maps but not on physical ones. Borders are the lines that separate countries, states, or other administrative regions. Political maps are designed to highlight these human-made boundaries plus names of countries and capitals, so readers can see political divisions clearly. Physical maps, by contrast, focus on natural features—the elevation and shape of the land, mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and coastlines—so they don’t emphasize political boundaries. That’s why borders are shown on political maps but not on standard physical maps. Elevation and landforms are natural features you’d expect on physical maps, while water depth is typically shown on specialized charts of underwater topography rather than on a general political map.

Understanding how political and physical maps differ helps explain why borders appear on political maps but not on physical ones. Borders are the lines that separate countries, states, or other administrative regions. Political maps are designed to highlight these human-made boundaries plus names of countries and capitals, so readers can see political divisions clearly. Physical maps, by contrast, focus on natural features—the elevation and shape of the land, mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and coastlines—so they don’t emphasize political boundaries. That’s why borders are shown on political maps but not on standard physical maps. Elevation and landforms are natural features you’d expect on physical maps, while water depth is typically shown on specialized charts of underwater topography rather than on a general political map.