Final answer:
The combination of Earth's axial tilt and latitude best explains the factors that affect climate. Earth's axial tilt leads to seasonal differences, while latitude affects the directness of sunlight and is a key determinant of biome types and climate characteristics. Earth's axil tilt and latitude is the correct option.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that affect climate include a combination of Earth's axial tilt and latitude. The Earth is tilted on its axis by 23.5 degrees, which contributes to the seasonal variations experienced across the planet. The tilt results in different angles of sunlight hitting various parts of Earth throughout the year, leading to seasons. Areas closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight and tend to have a warmer climate, while those near the poles experience a cooler climate due to more reflected sunlight.
Latitude plays a significant role in climate, as it determines how far a location is from the equator. Different latitudes have distinctive biomes, ranging from the arctic zones near the poles to the tropical regions near the equator. As one moves from the poles toward the equator, the biomes transition from arctic to boreal, temperate, subtropical, and tropical, each with its own climate characteristics.
These climate and biome types are impacted by other factors such as humidity, elevation, wind systems, ocean currents, the position on a continent, and mountain barriers. Each of these influences temperature, precipitation, and the overall distribution of climate regions. For example, mountain barriers can block weather patterns and create rain shadows, and ocean currents can warm or cool the air above them.