Columbian Exchange

The Columbian exchange, also known as the Columbian interchange, was the widespread transfer of plants, animals and diseases between the New World of the Western Hemisphere and the Old World of Afro-Eurasia, beginning in the late 15th century. It is named for Christopher Columbus and is tied to European colonization and global trade following his 1492 voyage. Some exchanges were deliberate, others unintended. Communicable diseases of Old World origin caused an 80 to 95 percent reduction in the Indigenous population of the Americas from the 15th century onward, and their near extinction in the Caribbean.