What was the major consequence of the Columbian Exchange on global populations?

The major consequence of the Columbian Exchange on global populations was an increase in disease transmission. As a result of the exchange, various pathogens and diseases were transferred between the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa) and the New World (the Americas). Indigenous populations in the Americas had no prior exposure to many of these diseases, such as smallpox and influenza, which led to devastating outbreaks and significant mortality rates. This abrupt introduction of diseases contributed to substantial population decline among Native American communities, as they lacked immunity to these foreign illnesses.

The term "Columbian Exchange" refers to this vast transfer of organisms, ideas, and technologies following Christopher Columbus's voyages, which fundamentally altered demographics, agriculture, and ecology across continents. While there were other consequences of this exchange, such as the introduction of new crops and livestock that could improve health and nutrition over time, the immediate effect was a tragic surge in disease, affecting global population dynamics significantly.