Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam

The introduction of bananas to East Africa had a significant direct impact on the region's agricultural practices, diet, and demographic patterns. Bananas, which are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, were brought to East Africa through trade routes and influenced local societies profoundly.

The arrival of bananas provided a highly nutritious food source that could support larger populations. This agricultural innovation led to more stable food supplies, which enabled communities to expand and settle in various areas, fostering the growth of complex societies. The increased food security allowed for diversification in the economy and contributed to the overall development of civilizations in East Africa.

In contrast, the other options do reflect important aspects of human interaction in Africa but do not illustrate the same direct societal impacts. For instance, the movement of cattle and the relocation of African rice and dogs, while significant, did not have the same transformative effect on food systems and demographics as the introduction of bananas did. The arrival of bananas is a clear example of how the exchange of agricultural products can reshape a region’s way of life and socioeconomic structures.