Which of the following is an example of an abstraction in everyday life?

The correct choice is a map representing geographic features because it serves as a simplified representation of a more complex reality. Maps reduce the intricate details of the actual geography by focusing on important features such as roads, landmarks, and bodies of water. This abstraction allows people to navigate and understand the space around them without being overwhelmed by unnecessary information.

In everyday life, abstractions help us to simplify and manage complex information or processes. A textbook on mathematics provides detailed rules and examples, but it is more of a comprehensive resource than an abstraction. A recipe for baking outlines specific steps to achieve a dish, serving a clear instructional purpose rather than simplifying a broader concept. A dictionary of definitions offers precise meanings of words, but it does not fundamentally abstract broader knowledge like a map does. Thus, the essence of abstraction lies in representing complex systems in a more manageable form, which is exemplified by a map.