How does the Earth's shape affect climate zones? Prentice Hall - Science Explorer.

The Earth's spherical shape benefits the planet by providing climates that are beneficial for human beings and other life. The areas between the Poles and the Equator receive solar energy throughout the year, due in large part to the shape of the Earth. The temperatures of atmospheric masses differ as one moves between the Equator and the Poles. This varying differences in amounts of solar radiation influence the type of temperatures and climates that are to be found globally. If the Earth were a different shape, then the sun's radiation would not diffuse as evenly as it does.