Final answer:
The European presence in America led to significant environmental changes, such as the introduction of diseases, changes in trade and hunting practices, and the depletion of natural resources. This had both positive and negative impacts on the land and its people.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the significant environmental changes that occurred due to European presence in America was the introduction of diseases. The microbes brought by the Europeans caused devastating epidemics among the native populations, resulting in significant loss of life and the subsequent loss of knowledge and traditions. Additionally, European colonization led to changes in trade, hunting, warfare, and personal property, impacting the land and its people.
The European settlers also brought new goods to Native American communities, leading to changes in their way of life. Native people started using European textiles instead of animal-skin clothing, and clay cookware was replaced with metal cooking implements. Furthermore, the colonization efforts often led to the depletion of local environments and the deprivation of natural resources, resulting in violence against Indigenous peoples.
The Columbian Exchange, which involved the exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Americas and Europe/Africa, also had environmental implications. The introduction of guns for hunting and the overexploitation of animal populations disrupted ecosystems and affected Native Americans' way of life. Overall, the European presence in America brought about significant environmental changes, with both positive and negative consequences.
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