* Transformative: The Columbian Exchange had a profound impact on the world, changing the economies, diets, and landscapes of all three continents.
* Unequal: The Columbian Exchange was not a balanced exchange, and the Americas were often at a disadvantage. European diseases decimated Native American populations, while American crops and animals quickly became essential to European and African economies.
* Complex: The Columbian Exchange was a complex process that involved a variety of factors, including trade, exploration, and colonization.
* Long-lasting: The effects of the Columbian Exchange are still felt today. American crops such as corn, potatoes, and tomatoes are now grown all over the world, and European diseases continue to circulate in the Americas.