Final answer:
The staple crop of ancient New World civilizations was corn, also known as maize, developed around nine thousand years ago. It became a fundamental part of the diet in Europe and other parts of the Old World post-Columbus. Other important New World crops include peanuts and potatoes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Staple Crop of Ancient New World Civilizations
The staple crop of ancient New World civilizations was corn (or maize). Contrary to the notion that these civilizations were strictly hunters and gatherers, ancient people in the Americas, such as the natives of what is now Mexico, developed maize from a native grass called teosinte around nine thousand years ago. Through selective breeding, they turned it into a plant that yielded more and larger seeds. Corn's use spread throughout nearly every part of the Americas and later had a significant impact on diets in the Old World. After Columbus's voyages, corn became a staple crop in Europe, sparking population growth and aiding in preventing famines. It also became an essential crop in China, where its resilience meant it could be grown in areas not suitable for other crops. Along with corn, other New World crops such as potatoes, cassava, tomatoes, chili peppers, and tobacco also became integral to global diets and economies.
To answer exercise 3.1.2, b. Peanuts and c. Potatoes originated in the New World, while oats, barley, and coffee did not.
To address exercise 4, the crop that did not originate in the New World is d. Wheat, while tobacco, maize, and potato did.