Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

What evidence supports the claim about the importance of forage grasses for European colonization?

1. The assertion that displacement of native grasses by Eurasian grasses allowed imported livestock to flourish

2. Old World forage grasses were more nutritious than native grasses

3. The abundance of grazing land in Europe during the colonization

4. Native livestock were better suited to the environment than imported species

The correct answer is: The assertion that displacement of native grasses by Eurasian grasses allowed imported livestock to flourish

The assertion that displacement of native grasses by Eurasian grasses allowed imported livestock to flourish serves as strong evidence for the claim about the importance of forage grasses for European colonization. This is significant because the success of European colonization efforts often relied on the ability to sustain livestock, which were crucial for agriculture, transportation, and as a source of labor. The introduction of Eurasian forage grasses improved the ecosystem for livestock, enabling colonizers to support larger herds, which in turn provided economic benefits and facilitated the expansion of settlements. The quality of forage directly impacts the health and productivity of livestock. When native grasses were replaced, the new forage allowed for better nutrition and more efficient growth and reproduction of imported livestock, which was a vital advantage in newly colonized areas. This enhancement contributed to the settlers' ability to adapt quickly to their new environment and establish successful agricultural systems, ultimately leading to the expansion of European influence and settlements. The other options do not provide as compelling evidence. The nutrition level of Old World forage grasses versus native grasses may play a role in livestock success, but the displacement aspect emphasizes the transformative impact of these grasses on colonization. Similarly, while the grazing land abundance in Europe may have facilitated early colonization, it does not specifically connect to the