Final answer:
Mesoamericans cultivated crops such as maize, potatoes, tomatoes, and chili peppers, which were unknown in Europe prior to the Columbian Exchange. Europeans introduced wheat, grapes, sugar cane, and coffee beans to the Americas. These agricultural exchanges significantly impacted nutrition and economies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plants Cultivated by Mesoamericans and Europeans
The Mesoamerican and European societies cultivated distinct plants and foods prior to the Columbian Exchange. Mesoamericans were known for foods such as maize (corn), potatoes, including sweet potatoes, tomatoes, chili peppers, vanilla, manioc (cassava), pineapples, and peanuts. These Mesoamerican crops were completely foreign to Europeans prior to the 15th and 16th centuries. Conversely, Europeans contributed wheat, grapes, sugar cane, olives, onions, and coffee beans to the Americas. Notably, crops such as potatoes and maize from the Americas had a significant impact on European nutrition and economic development, aiding in population growth and the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, European crops like sugar cane and coffee beans became key commodities in the Americas.