when was the columbian exchange

The Columbian Exchange began in 1492, following Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. It refers to the widespread transfer of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas between the New World (the Americas) and the Old World (Europe, Africa, and Asia) from the late 15th century onward. This exchange profoundly impacted the cultures, populations, and ecosystems of the involved regions over the subsequent centuries. The term "Columbian Exchange" was coined by historian Alfred W. Crosby in 1972, but the events it describes started immediately after Columbus's arrival in 1492 and continued through the 16th century and beyond.