Exploring the Impact of the Columbian Exchange

What major event in 1492 allowed for the discussion of world history as a unified concept?

• The beginning of the Renaissance

• The signing of the Magna Carta

• The discovery of America by Columbus

• The fall of Constantinople

What was the primary cause of the massive decline in Native American populations after European contact?

• Diseases brought by Europeans

• Starvation

• European brutality

• Climate change

Which animal introduced by Europeans had a significant impact on the food supply in the New World?

• Pigs

• Sheep

• Llamas

• Guinea pigs

What was a significant consequence of the introduction of horses to Native American cultures?

• Decline in buffalo populations

• Adoption of a nomadic lifestyle

• Introduction of new diseases

• Increased agricultural productivity

What was one of the main reasons Europeans came to America, according to the video?

• To eat

• Religious freedom

• To explore new lands

• Political freedom

What New World plant is essential for making contemporary pizza?

• Tomatoes

• Potatoes

• Corn

• Avocados

Which New World crop could grow in soils that were previously useless for Old World crops?

• Potatoes

• Rice

• Barley

• Wheat

Which New World plant is known as the 'poor person staple' in China?

• Corn

• Sweet potatoes

• Peanuts

• Cassava

What was a major negative impact of the Columbian Exchange on the environment?

• Decreased human population

• Impoverished genetic pool

• Improved soil quality

• Increased biodiversity

What ethical question does the video pose about the legacy of the Columbian Exchange?

• Should we continue to explore new lands?

• Are longer, healthier lives for more humans worth the sacrifice of an impoverished biosphere?

• Is it possible to reverse the effects of the Columbian Exchange?

• Should we revert to pre-Columbian agricultural practices?