Animals Cross the Ocean: Horses, Pigs, and Cattle in America — Reading Comprehension

In the 1500s, European ships crossed the Atlantic Ocean to reach the Americas. These ships did not just carry people. They also carried animals like horses, pigs, and cattle. Before this, these animals did not live in the Americas.

When Spanish explorers arrived, they brought horses with them. The first horses landed in the Caribbean islands. Soon, horses were brought to the mainland. Horses changed life for many Native Americans. With horses, travel became faster and hunting became easier. Native peoples of the plains, like the Lakota, learned to ride horses. They became skilled riders and hunters. Horses also helped them move their homes to follow buffalo herds.

Pigs were another animal brought by Europeans. Pigs ate almost anything and had many babies. They soon spread through forests and fields. Sometimes pigs got loose and became wild. Wild pigs could be a problem. They ate crops and food that Native Americans and settlers needed.

Cattle, such as cows and bulls, were also brought on ships. Cattle gave milk and meat. They helped farmers clear land and carry heavy loads. In time, cattle herds grew large. Cattle became important for food and trade. In some places, cowboys or "vaqueros" cared for the herds. They started traditions that are still part of American life today.

The arrival of these animals was part of the Columbian Exchange. The Columbian Exchange was the movement of people, plants, animals, and ideas between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This changed life on both sides of the ocean. Some changes were helpful. Others caused problems. For example, new animals gave people more ways to farm and travel. But wild pigs damaged farms and forests.

Native Americans had to adapt to these changes. Some groups used horses to become better hunters. Others protected their crops from pigs or raised cattle for food. People found new ways to live and work together.

The story of horses, pigs, and cattle crossing the ocean shows how small events can change a whole continent. Today, these animals are a common part of American farms and ranches. Their journey across the ocean shaped the history of America.

Interesting Fact: The word "mustang" comes from a Spanish word for wild horse. Many wild horses in the American West are descended from those early Spanish horses.

Who brought horses to America?

What did pigs often do?

What is the Columbian Exchange?

How did horses help Native Americans?

Why were wild pigs a problem?

What did cattle provide?

The word 'mustang' comes from Spanish.

What does 'adapt' mean?