One prominent benefit of the Columbian Exchange for native Americans was the introduction of new agricultural crops. Before European contact, native American societies primarily relied on crops such as maize, beans, and squash. The Columbian Exchange brought new crops like wheat, rice, and sugar, which enriched the native American diet and increased agricultural diversity. These crops proved to be well-adapted to certain regions and provided a more reliable food supply, contributing to the development of more settled communities.
The introduction of new animals, such as horses, also brought significant changes to the lives of native Americans, especially in the Great Plains and North America regions. Horses became instrumental in hunting, transportation, and warfare. They greatly enhanced mobility and hunting efficiency, allowing native Americans to expand their territories and hunting grounds. The use of horses played a crucial role in shaping the cultures and lifestyles of many native American tribes, particularly those in the equestrian cultures of the Great Plains.