Final answer:
Crops spreading along the same latitude are a. well adapted to similar climates, benefiting from shared weather patterns. Potatoes, originating from the New World, significantly influenced Old World diets.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crops that spread along the same latitude often possess the advantage of being already well adapted to the climates of the regions to which they are spreading. This is because latitude plays a critical role in determining climate and weather patterns. This adaptability stems from the fact that areas lying on the same latitude typically experience similar atmospheric conditions, temperatures, and seasonal changes. Additionally, since human agriculture began, selective breeding and crop diversity have matched the cultural diversity of human populations leading to a wide variety of crops tailored to specific regional conditions.
Considering the historical context, crops originating from the New World like potatoes had a profound impact on the Old World in terms of nutrition, degree of spread, and ease of growing. Potatoes offered significant nutritional benefits due to their energy content and were easy to grow in a variety of climates. The wide adaptation and cultivation of potatoes across Europe, Asia, and Africa significantly enhanced the diets of these regions. Crop diversity plays a crucial role in providing food security and fulfilling the dietary needs of various populations.
Agricultural zones are closely aligned with climate zones. In the United States, major agricultural regions have been established based on climate, soil fertility, and available resources. For example, east of the 100th meridian, where the land transitions from humid east to the drier west, the 'Corn Belt' is situated. This region's fertile soil derived from historical tallgrass prairies makes it ideal for crops like corn and soybeans.