What was the Columbian Exchange?

The Columbian Exchange refers specifically to the extensive transfer of foods, plants, animals, and other biological materials that occurred after Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas in the late 15th century. This exchange significantly impacted agriculture, ecology, and cultures across both the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) and the New World (the Americas).

This phenomenon is characterized by the introduction of new crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and maize to Europe, which transformed diets and agricultural practices there. Conversely, the exchange also included the introduction of livestock like cattle and pigs to the Americas, leading to significant changes in the way of life for many Indigenous cultures. Therefore, understanding the Columbian Exchange provides insight into how interconnected the world became following the Age of Exploration and the lasting effects it had on global development.

The other options do not accurately represent the scope and impact of the Columbian Exchange. While they reference aspects of global interactions, they do not encompass the specific exchange of biological materials that defined this historical phenomenon.