Maize moved from the Americas to Afro-Eurasia and became an important crop.
← Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections
Topic 4.3 · c. 1450–1750
Columbian Exchange
The movement of crops, animals, people, and diseases between the Americas and Afro-Eurasia transformed diets, environments, and populations.
The big picture
What to know
The movement of crops, animals, people, and diseases between the Americas and Afro-Eurasia transformed diets, environments, and populations.
Potatoes supported population growth in parts of Europe and elsewhere.
Smallpox devastated many Indigenous American communities after contact.
Check your understanding
01 / Multiple choice · 3 questions
Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears below it.
Question 01
Which example fits this clue? This example moved from the Americas to Afro-Eurasia and became an important crop.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 02
Which example fits this clue? This example supported population growth in parts of Europe and elsewhere.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
Question 03
Which example fits this clue? This example devastated many Indigenous American communities after contact.
Select an answer to check your thinking.
02 / Write with evidence
Write a short response
How did biological exchange change societies?
- Make a claim that answers the question.
- Use two examples from the review.
- Explain how the examples support your claim.
See a model response
The movement of crops, animals, people, and diseases between the Americas and Afro-Eurasia transformed diets, environments, and populations. Maize moved from the Americas to Afro-Eurasia and became an important crop. Potatoes supported population growth in parts of Europe and elsewhere.
Worksheets, notes & slides
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Resources & review
Quick study check
Before opening another resource, explain these examples from memory. Reveal each explanation to check yourself.
maize
Maize moved from the Americas to Afro-Eurasia and became an important crop.
potatoes
Potatoes supported population growth in parts of Europe and elsewhere.
smallpox
Smallpox devastated many Indigenous American communities after contact.
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