Which items originated in the americas and became european staples as a result of the columbian exchange? a. corn, chocolate, rice, and sugarb. rice, cattle, tomatoes, and goldc. wheat, chocolate, pineapples, and potatoesd. corn, potatoes, chocolate, and tomatoes

The correct answer is D. Items originated in the Americas that became European staples as a result of the Columbian exchange are corn, potatoes, chocolate, and tomatoes.

Explanation:

The Columbian exchange seriously affected almost all the populations of the earth. New diseases introduced by Europeans (many of which originated in Asia) for which the indigenous peoples of the Americas had no immunity, depopulated many cultures.

On the other hand, the contact between the two areas caused a vast variety of new plants and livestock to circulate which contributed to an increase in population. The explorers returned to Europe with corn, potatoes, tomatoes and cocoa, which became very important foods in 18th century's Europe. Similarly, Europeans introduced cassava and peanuts in the tropical Southeast Asia and West Africa, where these flourished and sustained population growth on soils that otherwise could not have produced much.