Final answer:
The tropics have a relatively constant temperature due to the direct sunlight they receive throughout the year and the stable energy balance between incoming solar radiation and the energy radiated from the Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spatial distribution of temperature in the tropics remains relatively constant due to two main factors:
- Direct sunlight: The tropics experience nearly consistent daylight throughout the year, with 11-12 hours per day. This provides a stable amount of solar radiation year-round, making month-to-month temperatures consistent and promoting continual plant growth.
- Energy balance: The relative constancy of the Earth's temperature is due to the balance between incoming solar radiation and the energy radiated from the Earth. In the tropics, this balance is maintained with minor fluctuations throughout the year, contributing to a stable thermal environment.
Additionally, factors such as large water bodies, which absorb and release heat slowly, and geographical features, like mountain ranges, can affect local temperatures but the overall tropical climate remains uniformly warm due to the consistent solar exposure and energy balance.