Final answer:
If Earth's axis were inclined at 40°, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn would be located at 40° north and south latitude, respectively, and the Arctic and Antarctic Circles would be situated at 50° north and south latitude. The change in Earth's tilt angle would cause more extreme seasonal variations and significantly alter global climates.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Earth's axis were inclined at 40° instead of the current 23.5°, the Tropics and polar circles would be repositioned. The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, which currently lie at 23.5° north and south latitude respectively, would move to 40° north and south latitude. The Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle would move to 50° north and south latitude, since they are located at 90° minus the Earth's tilt.
The seasons would become more extreme, with a greater contrast between winter and summer temperatures and daylight hours in the areas between the Tropics and the polar circles. The increased tilt would also affect global weather patterns and could lead to significant changes in climates around the world.