What factors account for the similarities and differences between the subdivisions in tropical climate zones

Altitude, proximity to the ocean, precipitation.

Explanation:

Tropical climates can be largely divided into three categories that are monsoon, savanna, and rainforest.

The primary difference between these climates that are warm year round is the precipitation. Rain forest climates are the rainiest. Tropical monsoon climates like those found in parts of Southeast Asia experience a distinct change in wind direction that brings heavy rains for part of the year followed y a short dry season. Tropical savanna climates tend to be found on the fringes of the Tropics and also have very well-defined dry seasons.

Climates found at tropical latitudes that are not hot but rather temperate climates are exclusively a result of latitude. Because of this it is even possible to find glaciers in the Tropics.