Question

what causes the cycle of seasons on earth?
the tilt of earths axis
the shape of earths orbit
the direction of earths orbit
the distance between earth and the sun

Explanation:

The tilt of Earth's axis causes different parts of Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. As Earth orbits the Sun, this tilt leads to the changing seasons. The shape of Earth's orbit (which is nearly circular), the direction of Earth's orbit (counter - clockwise, but this is a constant), and the distance between Earth and the Sun (which has a relatively small effect compared to the tilt) do not primarily cause the seasons.

Answer:

the tilt of Earth’s axis