Who brought pigs to the New World?

• A. The English
• B. The Spanish
• C. The French
• D. The Portuguese

Answer: (B)

This question tests how the Columbian Exchange spread domesticated animals to the New World. Pigs were among the first farm animals Europeans brought when exploring and settling the Americas. The Spanish introduced pigs during the early voyages after Columbus, starting with his second voyage in 1493 to the Caribbean, bringing them as a readily available meat source for voyages and colonies. Their quick breeding and adaptability allowed pig populations to proliferate across Caribbean and mainland areas, often becoming feral and impacting local ecosystems. The English would bring pigs to North America later, but the initial introduction was by the Spanish. Therefore, the Spanish brought pigs to the New World.