Question

What has the Columbian Exchange done for the population? Explain.

A) It has caused a decrease in the world's population due to disease.
B) It has led to an increase in the world's population through the introduction of new food crops.
C) It has had no significant impact on the world's population.
D) It has caused a decline in the population due to cultural conflicts.

Answer 1

The Columbian Exchange led to an increase in the world's population through the introduction of new food crops, but also caused a decrease in the population due to the spread of diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Columbian Exchange had a significant impact on the world's population.

Option B) is the correct answer. The exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the New World (the Americas) and the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) led to an increase in the world's population. Several new food crops were introduced to different regions, which improved nutrition and allowed populations to grow. For example, the introduction of corn and potatoes from the Americas had a positive impact on food production in Europe.

However, it's important to note that the Columbian Exchange also resulted in the spread of diseases, such as smallpox, which had devastating effects, particularly on indigenous populations. The introduction of European diseases to the Americas led to a decrease in the population due to their lack of immunity.