Question

How was the population of the Old World affected by the process Mann describes? A Population increased as new crops were introduced, improving diets and increasing life expectancy (Choice B) B Population decreased as new diseases like smallpox were introduced (Choice C) C Population increased as herbal cures found in the New World helped to address major diseases in the Old World (Choice D) D Population decreased as new crops were introduced, causing people to die from new allergies

Answer 1

Answer:

Option: A.  Population increased as new crops were introduced, improving diets and increasing life expectancy.  

Explanation:

Before the arrival of the Europeans in the New World, it inhabited with Native Indians. After Christopher Columbus discovered America, there was a beginning of the Colombian Exchange. New plants and animals introduced in the Old World. The discovery of a new region with resources changed the nature of trade between Europe and the New World. It introduced new agricultural products, including tomatoes, pumpkin,  potatoes, chillies, cocoa, maize, peanuts, and beans. The arrival of many crops and plants in Europe had nutrition with calories and flavour, which led to an increase in life expectancy.

The process of adaptation of new food led to an increase in the population in Europe. Rye and millet replaced by maize. Sweet potatoes became popular in Spain and Portugal. Later it reaches in Ireland and Poland as a staple crop. The new crops gave high nutrition than cereals.