The “quantum jump” mentioned in the passage most directly contributed to which of the following developments in the period 1450–1750 (C) E.?

(A) A breakdown in trade routes through the collapse of the established state structure (B) An increase in the population of the world through more plentiful supplies of food (C) The spread of Chinese and Indian belief systems across the world (D) An increase in social unrestExplanation: The “quantum jump” in the passage refers to the Columbian Exchange and the settlement and conquest of the New World by Europeans. Choices (A) and (C) are historically false and can be eliminated. Choice (D) is a possible answer, but not as supportable as (B), which is the answer.