In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of what came to be called the New World. Other explorers and settlers soon followed Columbus from Europe, many seeking gold and riches. These colonists brought many things with them from Europe, introducing new plants and animals to North America. They also brought several European maladies. The natives of North America had never before been exposed to these strange new diseases. As a result, many became very ill and died. We don't know the full effect that the Europeans had on the native populations. However, many historians believe that up to ninety-five percent of native populations died as a result.

Question

In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of what came to be called the New World. Other explorers and settlers soon followed Columbus from Europe, many seeking gold and riches. These colonists brought many things with them from Europe, introducing new plants and animals to North America. They also brought several European maladies. The natives of North America had never before been exposed to these strange new diseases. As a result, many became very ill and died. We don't know the full effect that the Europeans had on the native populations. However, many historians believe that up to ninety-five percent of native populations died as a result.
Select the text from the paragraph that best helps you understand that maladies means sicknesses. There may be more than one correct choice.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The text that best helps you understand that "maladies" means sicknesses includes:

"the colonists brought several European maladies"
"natives of North America had never before been exposed to these strange new diseases"
"As a result, many became very ill and died."

These phrases indicate that "maladies" refers to sicknesses or diseases that caused illness and death among the native populations.