Question

Which accurately describes the Columbian Exchange that resulted from the Age of Discovery? A.The shift in the center of global trade from the Silk Road and the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic B.The ecological transfer of plants, animals, people, and germs between the Old and New Worlds C.The exchange of Indian captives in return for gold by Columbus and his men on the island of Hispaniola D.The economic system employed by European nations to control trade and increase wealth

Answer 1

The Columbian Exchange was the significant transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and technologies between the Old and New Worlds, leading to drastic changes in lifestyles, economies, and populations on a global scale.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Columbian Exchange accurately describes the ecological transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and technologies between the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and the New World (the Americas) following the voyages of Christopher Columbus in 1492. This exchange had profound impacts on nutrition, population growth, food culture, and disease prevalence worldwide. Foods like maize, potatoes, and cassava were introduced to Europe, contributing to population growth, while European animals such as horses and cattle were brought to the Americas, significantly affecting the lifestyle there. Unfortunately, disease exchange, primarily from the Old to the New World, resulted in the significant depopulation of the native populations due to lack of immunity.

The correct option that best describes the Columbian Exchange in the context of the given question is option B: an exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between Europe and the Americas. This event reshaped global economic systems, societies, and environments, marking the beginning of a new era of increased global interactions and the birth of a worldwide economy.

Answer 2

The Columbian Exchange refers to:

B. The ecological transfer of plants, animals, people, and germs between the Old and New Worlds.

This term describes the widespread transfer of crops, livestock, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries following Christopher Columbus's voyages. It had dramatic and lasting effects on the ecology, agriculture, and cultures of both the continents involved.