Consequences of the Columbian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange drastically altered the landscapes, diets, and demographics of both the Americas and Europe following Columbus's voyages. This exchange involved not only the transfer of crops and animals but also diseases and technologies. Understanding these shifts is vital in analyzing early interactions between indigenous populations and European explorers during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Which of the following was a significant consequence of the Columbian Exchange that primarily affected the population of indigenous peoples in the Americas?