How were animals that were brought from the Old World to the New World revolutionary for the New World? How did New World plants have a large impact on Eurasia?

The exchange of animals from the Old World to the New World, often known as the Columbian Exchange, was revolutionary in many ways. When Europeans arrived in the Americas, they brought with them animals such as horses, pigs, cattle, goats, sheep, and chickens, which were not native to the New World. These animals had a profound impact on various aspects of life in the Americas.

1. Transportation: The introduction of the horse, for example, revolutionized transportation for many Native American societies, providing them with a new and efficient means of travel and trade. Horses greatly enhanced hunting capacities, particularly in the plains where Native Americans became expert horseback riders to hunt buffalo more effectively.

2. Agriculture: Animals like cattle and pigs became important sources of food through their meat, but also through secondary products such as milk, cheese, and wool from sheep. These animals also contributed to agricultural production as draft animals, aiding in tasks like plowing fields, carrying goods, and turning mills, which increased agricultural efficiency.

3. Environmental Impact: The introduction of new animals often disturbed the ecological balance of the New World. For example, grazing animals like sheep and cattle could overgraze native plants, leading to soil erosion and altering landscapes. Pigs could destroy native vegetation and disrupt the habitats of other species.

Regarding the impact of New World plants on Eurasia, many staple crops from the Americas became fundamental to various societies around the world. Some of the most impactful New World plants include:

1. Potatoes: They were introduced to Europe and rapidly became a staple crop because of their high yield and nutritional value. Potatoes could grow in relatively poor soil conditions and provided more calories per acre than grain. In places like Ireland, for example, potatoes became a key part of the diet, which later led to a catastrophe when potato blight caused the Irish Potato Famine.

2. Maize (corn): It became a significant crop in Africa, parts of Europe, and Asia due to its ability to thrive in diverse climates and its versatility as both a food source and a raw material for food products.

3. Tomatoes, peppers, and beans: These crops added variety to the diet and contributed to the cuisine of many cultures, such as tomatoes in Italian cooking and peppers in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

4. Tobacco: It had a considerable social and economic impact on Eurasia as it became a luxury good and eventually a widespread commodity, leading to economic gain for some and health issues for users.