Final answer:
The greatest effects on climate are latitude, affecting how much solar energy a region gets, and distance from water, influencing temperature moderation and precipitation. These factors determine regional climates and corresponding biomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two factors that have the greatest effect on climate are latitude and distance from water. Latitude determines how much solar energy a region receives, influencing temperature and weather patterns. For instance, as you move away from the equator towards the poles, you encounter regions with cooler climates, such as Arctic, boreal, temperate, subtropical, and tropical biomes. Distance from water, or maritime influence, affects climate by moderating temperatures and increasing precipitation, leading to different climate regions and biomes.
Temperature and precipitation are pivotal climatic variables that dictate the type of biome found in a particular location. For example, tropical rainforests require high temperatures and abundant rainfall, while deserts are characterized by minimal precipitation and wide temperature ranges. Factors like elevation, wind systems, ocean currents, and mountain barriers further modulate temperature, precipitation, and the distribution of climate regions.