Among the lower 48 states, Minnesota is the northernmost state. What geographic error caused this to be true?

Explanation:

The correct answer is a. Map distortion. The geographic error that causes Minnesota to be the northernmost state among the lower 48 states is map distortion. Maps, especially those that use the Mercator projection, can distort the sizes and shapes of landmasses, making the northernmost part of Minnesota appear further north than it actually is. This distortion occurs due to the way the Mercator projection stretches areas towards the poles, making them appear larger than they are.

For example, if you look at a globe, you will see that Maine is actually more northern than Minnesota. However, when this is shown on a Mercator map, the distortion makes Minnesota appear further north. So, while Minnesota is not technically the northernmost state, map distortion makes it appear so on certain maps.