Final answer:
There was continued diffusion of crops and technologies along the trade routes in the Eastern Hemisphere, facilitating cultural and technological exchanges that had significant impacts on societies, including the spread of pathogens like the Black Death.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the time of increased long-distance travel across the Eastern Hemisphere, there was continued diffusion of crops and technologies along the trade routes. This diffusion included the spread of agricultural techniques, such as wheat cultivation from the Fertile Crescent and maize from Mesoamerica. The movement of people, whether they were pilgrims, traders, or refugees, facilitated the exchange and adoption of new cultural practices, innovations, and even pathogens, such as those that caused the Black Death, which had a profound impact on societies. The Columbian Exchange is a prime example of this, where crops and technology were shared between the Old and New Worlds, leading to significant cultural and economic changes.