Which factor does NOT determine climate?

The factor that does not determine climate is pet population. Climate is primarily influenced by various physical and environmental processes that govern the long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation in a given area.

Atmospheric circulation patterns play a crucial role in distributing heat and moisture around the planet, which directly impacts climatic conditions. Oceanic circulation patterns also contribute significantly to climate by influencing temperature and precipitation patterns through phenomena like ocean currents and the interaction between oceans and the atmosphere. Latitudinal position is a critical determinant of climate as well, as it affects the angle of sunlight received and thus influences temperature ranges and seasons.

In contrast, the population of pets is not a factor that influences climate. While many pets may have individual environmental impacts, they do not contribute to the broader atmospheric and oceanic processes that shape climate on a global or regional scale. Thus, this option is unrelated to the fundamental factors that determine climate.