Final answer:
The angle of insolation affects temperature by determining how concentrated solar energy is when it reaches Earth's surface, and this in turn shapes regional climates and influences the distribution of global climate regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The angle of insolation significantly affects temperature because it determines the intensity and concentration of solar energy that reaches a particular area on Earth's surface. When the Sun is directly overhead, for example, during summer at the equator, the insolation is at its peak, resulting in higher temperatures due to the concentrated solar energy. Conversely, during winter or in higher latitudes, the Sun's angle is lower, leading to a more diffuse distribution of solar energy and cooler temperatures.
Furthermore, the position of the Sun contributes to the diversity of regional climates. For instance, the equatorial regions receive direct sunlight year-round, resulting in a hot, tropical climate, while the poles receive slanted sunlight, leading to colder, polar climates. Lastly, these variations in sunlight and temperature are fundamental in shaping global climate regions, influencing factors like atmospheric circulation, precipitation patterns, and the distribution of biomes across the Earth.