Chapter PYQs
UPSC CSE Prelims
UPSC CSE Prelims
Geographical Discoveries and Colonialism Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Geographical Discoveries and Colonialism
Topic Breakdown: Scroll →
Which one of the following groups of plants were domesticated in the ‘New World’ and introduced into the ‘Old World’?
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Correct Answer: Option A
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 1 — Tobacco, cocoa and rubber
Tobacco, cocoa, and rubber were all native to the Americas (the 'New World') and were introduced to Europe, Asia, and Africa (the 'Old World') after 1492 following the Columbian Exchange. Cotton, coffee, sugarcane, and wheat were already present in the Old World before Columbus's voyages, making options 2, 3, and 4 incorrect.
📝 Short Notes: New World vs Old World Crops
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| New World Crops (Americas) | Tobacco, cocoa, rubber, potato, tomato, maize (corn), cassava, beans, pumpkin, avocado, peanut, vanilla, chili pepper, pineapple, sunflower |
| Old World Crops (Europe, Asia, Africa) | Wheat, rice, barley, coffee, sugarcane, cotton, tea, banana, grapes, onion, garlic, citrus fruits, chickpeas, lentils |
| Columbian Exchange | The widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, diseases, and ideas between the Americas and the Old World following Columbus's 1492 voyage |
- Tobacco: Native to tropical Americas, became major cash crop globally after introduction to Europe in 16th century
- Cocoa: Originated in Amazon basin and Mesoamerica; chocolate became popular in Europe after Spanish conquest
- Rubber: Extracted from rubber trees native to Amazon rainforest; became economically vital during Industrial Revolution
- Cotton: Cultivated independently in both Old World (India, Egypt) and New World; not exclusive to Americas
- Coffee: Native to Ethiopia and Arabia; spread to Americas later, not vice versa
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