"Colón [Columbus] and his crew did not voyage alone. They were accompanied by a menagerie of insects, plants, mammals, and microorganisms . . . European expeditions brought cattle, sheep, and horses, along with crops like sugarcane (originally from New Guinea), wheat (from the Middle East), bananas (from Africa), and coffee (also from Africa) . . . "
-From Charles C. Mann, historian, 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created, 2011.
How was the population of the Old World affected by the process Mann describes?
Choose 1 answer:
Choose 1 answer:
(Choice A) Population increased as new crops were introduced, improving diets and increasing life expectancy
A
Population increased as new crops were introduced, improving diets and increasing life expectancy
(Choice B) Population increased as herbal cures found in the New World helped to address major diseases in the Old World
B
Population increased as herbal cures found in the New World helped to address major diseases in the Old World
(Choice C) Population decreased as new diseases like smallpox were introduced
C
Population decreased as new diseases like smallpox were introduced
(Choice D) Population decreased as new crops were introduced, causing people to die from new allergies
D
Population decreased as new crops were introduced, causing people to die from new allergies
1 answer
The correct answer is:
(Choice A) Population increased as new crops were introduced, improving diets and increasing life expectancy.
This choice reflects the positive impact of new agricultural products that contributed to better nutrition and, consequently, population growth in the Old World.
