Final answer:
True, the Columbian Exchange in the 16th century introduced New World fruits and vegetables to Asia, changing global dietary habits and supporting technological advancements.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that many of the fruits and vegetables that are native to the New World were introduced to Asia in the 16th century. This was part of the larger Columbian Exchange, which also brought crops and domesticated animals from Europe to the Americas. Native American foods like maize (corn), potatoes, and tomatoes became vital to the diets of Europeans and Asians. These staple crops, along with others such as cacao and tobacco, contributed to a global change in eating habits and agricultural practices. The exchange not only brought new foodstuffs to the tables of Europeans and Asians but also helped to nutritionally diversify their diets and supported population growth and technological advancements.