The Columbian Exchange that began in 1492 primarily involved which of the following?

The Columbian Exchange, which began after Christopher Columbus's voyages in 1492, was a transformative process that significantly impacted the world by facilitating the transfer of a variety of entities between the Americas and the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia). The correct response captures the comprehensive nature of this exchange, including livestock like horses and cattle, essential crops such as corn, potatoes, and tomatoes, as well as tobacco, which became a major cash crop.

Additionally, it is crucial to note the exchange of diseases like smallpox, which devastated Indigenous populations in the Americas, and the transatlantic slave trade that emerged as European powers sought labor for plantations in the New World. This multifaceted transfer reshaped societies and economies on both sides of the Atlantic, creating a lasting impact that defined subsequent historical developments.

The other options fail to encompass the full scope of the exchange, focusing instead on only select aspects or entities, which do not accurately represent the complexity and significance of the Columbian Exchange. The inclusion of all these elements in the correct choice highlights the interconnectedness fostered by this major historical event.