Final answer:
The introduction of the sweet potato and other American crops to China during the Ming and Qing dynasties played a significant role in the population boom by increasing the food supply, which along with economic diversification, supported a rise in population.
Step-by-step explanation:
The explosive growth of China's population during the Ming and Qing dynasties can be largely attributed to the introduction of crops from the Americas, particularly the sweet potato. The sweet potato was able to thrive in varied climates and terrain, including hilly, dry regions like Sichuan, allowing for a significant expansion in available food resources. This crop, along with maize and other American crops like peanuts and peppers, contributed greatly to the caloric intake of the population, fostering a demographic surge despite the challenges of land scarcity and initial environmental impacts like deforestation and topsoil loss.
The economic boom during the Ming Dynasty also influenced population growth, as it led to an increase in specialized agricultural and commercial activities, such as cotton weaving, silk production, and porcelain manufacturing. This economic diversification allowed a greater proportion of the population to engage in non-agricultural sectors, supporting the overall population increase.