The correct answer is option 1: The acceleration due to gravity at the equator is less than that at the poles. This is due to the Earth`s rotation. At the equator, the centrifugal force caused by the Earth`s rotation counteracts some of the gravity, resulting in a smaller net gravitational force. However, at the poles, there is no counteracting centrifugal force, so the gravity is stronger. It should be noted that this difference in acceleration due to gravity is relatively small and not noticeable in everyday life. It is important to understand that this is a result of the Earth`s shape and rotation, and it is not the same as the force of gravity itself, which remains constant regardless of location on Earth.