Major Plants Brought by Europeans to the New World:
Food Crops:
* Wheat: This staple grain quickly became a major part of the American diet.
* Barley: Used for brewing beer and animal feed.
* Oats: Another cereal grain used for food and animal feed.
* Rye: Used for bread and livestock feed.
* Rice: Adapted to various climates and became a staple in the South.
* Sugarcane: Planted in the Caribbean and Southern US, leading to the development of the slave trade.
* Coffee: Introduced to the Caribbean and South America, becoming a major export.
* Tea: Cultivated in the Southern US but not as widespread as in other colonies.
* Fruits: Apples, pears, peaches, grapes, oranges, lemons, etc.
Other Plants:
* Clover: Used as a forage crop for livestock.
* Alfalfa: Another important forage crop.
* Dandelion: Introduced unintentionally, becoming a widespread weed.
* Turnip: A root vegetable that became popular in the New World.
* Onion: A widely used vegetable in both European and Native American cuisine.
Major Animals Brought by Europeans to the New World:
Livestock:
* Cattle: Used for meat, milk, and leather.
* Horses: Used for transportation, warfare, and farming.
* Pigs: Used for meat and lard.
* Sheep: Used for wool and meat.
* Goats: Used for milk, cheese, and meat.
Other Animals:
* Donkeys: Used for transportation.
* Cats: Introduced to control rodents.
* Chickens: Used for eggs and meat.
* Bees: Introduced for honey production and pollination.
It is important to note that the introduction of these plants and animals had significant consequences for the New World ecosystem. Some species, like horses and cattle, thrived and became naturalized, while others, like dandelion, became invasive weeds. The introduction of European livestock also had a major impact on native wildlife and the landscape.