Final answer:
The bubonic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, had devastating impacts during the Black Death pandemic in the 14th century. It originated in China and spread to Europe, reducing the world's population and causing significant social and economic effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, had devastating impacts during the Black Death pandemic in the 14th century. The disease originated in China and spread along trade routes to Europe, transmitted by fleas living on rats. The Black Death reduced the world's population and had significant economic, social, and cultural effects on human society.