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How many acres are contained in the standard section directly north of section number 16?

  1. 160 acres

  2. 320 acres

  3. 480 acres

  4. 640 acres

The correct answer is: 640 acres

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a standard section typically refers to a piece of land defined by the rectangular survey system. Each standard section is generally 1 square mile in size. Since 1 square mile is equivalent to 640 acres, any standard section, whether it's number 16 or any other section, contains 640 acres. When considering the section directly north of section number 16, it is also a standard section and therefore maintains the same size of 640 acres, irrespective of its position in relation to other sections. This consistent measurement is a foundational aspect of land surveying in the United States. Understanding that each section within the PLSS covers 640 acres is crucial for real estate practice since it forms the basis for calculating land areas, property boundaries, and assessing land value.