Final answer:
The first scientific expedition from Europe to the tropics was organized by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. They discovered new sea routes, plant and animal species, and initiated global trade and cultural exchanges in what is known as the Age of Discovery and the Columbian Exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first scientific expedition from Europe to the tropics was organized by Portuguese explorers during the early 15th century. As part of the broader Age of Discovery, they were the frontrunners in sailing along the African coast, which eventually led to the discovery of a sea route to India and further across the Atlantic to the Americas. These explorations were not solely for the sake of science but also played a significant role in finding new territories for conquest, trade, and the spread of Christianity.
The discoveries made during these expeditions were vast and varied, including new species of plants and animals, unseen cultures, and unfamiliar populations of people. The exchanges that followed had a profound impact on global economics and ecology, known as the Columbian Exchange. Furthermore, the era was characterized by the creation of detailed maps such as the Typus Orbis Terrarum, development of global trade, and the unfortunate initiation of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.