5. Which one of the following factors most affects the climate of East Africa? \( \begin{array}{ll}\text { A. Distance from the sea } & \text { D. Ocean currents } \\ \text { B. Latitude } & \text { E. Winds } \\ \text { C. Altitude }\end{array} \)

The climate of East Africa is most significantly influenced by **C. Altitude**. Here's why: ### **Altitude (Option C)** East Africa is characterized by diverse topography, including high plateaus, mountains (such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ethiopian Highlands), and deep valleys. These elevated areas have a profound impact on the region's climate in several ways: - **Temperature Regulation:** Higher altitudes generally experience cooler temperatures compared to lower surrounding areas. This creates microclimates that support diverse ecosystems and influence human habitation patterns. - **Rainfall Patterns:** Elevated terrains can affect precipitation distribution. Mountains can act as barriers to moisture-laden winds, causing orographic rainfall on the windward side and creating rain shadow effects on the leeward side. - **Agricultural Practices:** The variation in altitude allows for different types of crops to be grown in close proximity, supporting agricultural diversity. ### **Why Other Options Are Less Influential:** - **A. Distance from the Sea:** While proximity to the Indian Ocean affects coastal climates by providing humidity and moderating temperatures, much of East Africa's climate variability is more directly tied to altitude. - **B. Latitude:** East Africa lies near the equator, which generally means a tropical climate. However, latitude alone doesn't account for the significant climatic variations observed within the region. - **D. Ocean Currents:** Although ocean currents influence coastal weather patterns, their impact is relatively less significant compared to the pervasive effects of altitude across the entire East African region. - **E. Winds:** Wind patterns, including monsoonal flows, do play a role in seasonal weather changes, but altitude has a more consistent and widespread effect on the overall climate. ### **Conclusion** While multiple factors contribute to the climate of East Africa, **altitude** stands out as the most influential due to its ability to shape temperature, precipitation, and ecological diversity across the region. **Answer:** C. Altitude