Yes, one significant consequence of the drastic decline in the indigenous population in South America during the colonial period was indeed the increased reliance on African slave labor. As European colonizers imposed their rule and exploited resources, the indigenous populations faced devastating impacts from diseases brought by the Europeans, forced labor, and violent conquest.
With the sharp decline in the indigenous workforce, colonizers turned to Africa to meet labor demands for plantations, mining, and other colonial enterprises. This led to the transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly transported and enslaved in the Americas. The introduction of African slaves significantly altered the demographic, cultural, and economic landscapes of South America, contributing to the diverse societies that emerged in the region. It also had long-term repercussions, including racial hierarchies, social stratification, and ongoing issues related to race and identity in contemporary South American societies.