Question

Why is it warmer near the equator and cooler near the poles?

Answer 1

It is because the equator is closer to the sun and because the sun's rays hit the surface of the Earth at a higher angle at the equator. The poles are colder because they don't get direct sunlight. The sun is always low on the horizon.

Answer 2

It is warmer near the equator because sunlight hits Earth's surface most directly near the equator. Near the poles, sunlight arrives at a steep angle, so it must spread out over a greater area. Earth has seasons because the Earth's axis is tilted as it revolves around the sun.