Question

Which statement from this passage could be used as evidence to suggest that the Columbian Exchange benefited the Old World much more than the New World?

a. "The Old World gained access to a wide variety of new crops, including maize and potatoes, which significantly improved their diets and food production."

b. "The New World, on the other hand, had limited access to the valuable resources and technologies brought by European explorers."

c. "The Columbian Exchange had a profound impact on both the Old and New Worlds, leading to cultural exchanges and economic growth on both sides."

d. "The Old World suffered from the introduction of new diseases, resulting in a significant decline in the indigenous population, while the New World adapted more effectively."

Answer 1

Statement a, highlighting the introduction of nutritious crops like maize and potatoes to the Old World, which improved diets and food production, suggests that the Columbian Exchange was more beneficial to the Old World than to the New World. So, the correct answer is option a.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which statement suggests that the Columbian Exchange benefited the Old World much more than the New World, we must consider the impacts on agriculture, economy, and population health in both regions. The correct statement is: a. "The Old World gained access to a wide variety of new crops, including maize and potatoes, which significantly improved their diets and food production."

This statement highlights how crops from the New World, such as maize and potatoes, were integral in enhancing the diets and boosting food production in the Old World. On the other hand, the New World faced devastating impacts such as disease outbreaks that led to a significant decrease in the indigenous population, and their access to resources and technologies was limited.