The temperature of the environment changes with

Analyze the question: It asks which factor causes the temperature of the environment to change. We need to find the physical factor that directly controls temperature.

Explain the concept: Temperature is influenced by several factors: latitude, altitude, distance from the sea (continentality), ocean currents, cloud cover, and prevailing winds.

Altitude matters because the atmosphere is heated mostly from the ground up (by radiation from the Earth's surface), not directly by the sun. As you go higher, the air becomes thinner and holds less heat. Temperature falls by about 6.5°C for every 1,000 m rise. This is the normal lapse rate. That is why Jos (Plateau State) is cooler than Lagos, even though both are in Nigeria.

Solution (checking each option):

• A. Erosion: This is the wearing away and removal of soil and rock by water, wind, or ice. It shapes the land but does not control temperature.
• B. Altitude: Height above sea level. Temperature decreases as altitude increases. This is correct.
• C. Mass wasting: This is the downslope movement of rock and soil under gravity (landslides, rockfalls). It is not a climatic factor.
• D. Longitude: This tells us the east-west position and is used for time. Places on the same latitude but different longitudes do not get different temperatures from longitude alone. It is latitude, not longitude, that affects temperature.

Answer: B. Altitude

Exam tip: Remember "LAND CC" for temperature factors: Latitude, Altitude, Nearness to the sea, Drifts (ocean currents), Cloud cover, Currents of wind. Whenever you see "longitude" as an option for temperature, be careful, because it is a common distractor for "latitude."