What is a characteristic of a rhumb line?

A rhumb line, also known as a loxodrome, is characterized by its property of intersecting each meridian at the same constant angle. This means that when you plot a rhumb line on a navigation chart, it does not follow the curve of the Earth's surface but rather maintains a consistent angle relative to the meridians. This characteristic makes it useful for navigation because it allows for a constant compass course.

The other options reference different navigational concepts. The shortest distance between two points on a sphere is actually a great circle route, not a rhumb line. While the statement about plotting as a straight line on a Lambert conformal chart may seem plausible, it is not true for all chart types, as the actual representation can vary. Lastly, while the course angle for a great circle constantly changes to follow a more direct path, a rhumb line doesn’t have this property; its angle remains constant, resulting in a different navigational approach. Understanding this helps navigators choose the appropriate route based on their specific needs.