Which of the following crops from the Americas had the greatest impact on global population growth after the Columbian Exchange?

Core Concept

Potatoes, originally from the Andes region of South America, had a profound impact on global population growth after being introduced to Europe and other parts of the world. High-yielding and nutritious, potatoes became a staple food in many regions, particularly in Northern Europe and Russia. This reliable food source helped support population growth and in some cases prevented famines, contributing to the demographic expansion of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries.