Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Columbian Exchange had a profound impact on the world, as it facilitated the widespread exchange of different species, cultures, and diseases between the Americas and the rest of the world. This interchange, which began after Columbus's voyages in the late 15th century, transformed agriculture, cuisine, and settlements across continents.

In terms of species, it introduced a variety of crops such as potatoes, maize, and tomatoes from the Americas to Europe, Asia, and Africa, which had far-reaching effects on global diets and agricultural practices. Conversely, domesticated animals like horses, pigs, and cattle were brought to the Americas, reshaping Indigenous ways of life.

Culturally, the exchange promoted significant interactions between different societies, leading to the blending of traditions, languages, and technologies. However, this exchange was also marked by devastating consequences as diseases such as smallpox were introduced to Indigenous populations in the Americas, leading to widespread mortality and disruptions in their societies.

The other options do not accurately reflect the overall importance of the Columbian Exchange. It did not lead to the isolation of the Americas; rather, it connected them more closely with the rest of the world. The exchange was not limited to North American products but included goods and interactions across multiple continents