Final answer:
Humid Continental and Marine climates have different annual temperature ranges due to the continental position of Humid Continental climates and the marine influences on Marine climates. Latitude is a starting point, but geographic features like ocean currents and mountains play significant roles in determining the specific climate of a region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary factor responsible for the difference in annual temperature ranges between Humid Continental and Marine climates, despite their similar latitudes, is their position on the continent. Continental climates are typically located inland, away from the tempering effects of large bodies of water, leading to more extreme temperature variations. In contrast, Marine climates, influenced by ocean currents and their proximity to the sea, experience milder temperatures with a smaller annual range.
Latitude, ocean currents, wind systems, and geographic features such as mountain barriers are additional factors that influence temperature and precipitation, creating varied climate regions. For example, mountain barriers can lead to rain shadow effects, causing drier conditions on their leeward sides.
Therefore, while latitude provides a baseline for the general climate of a region, it is the specific geographic and environmental features that result in the diverse climatic conditions experienced at similar latitudes.