Final answer:
The caravel was a small, highly maneuverable ship that played a significant role in the exploration and colonization of the Americas and Africa.
Step-by-step explanation:
The caravel was a small, highly maneuverable ship that played a significant role in the exploration and colonization of the Americas and Africa. It had two or three masts and was designed for quick and agile movement. Caravels like the ones used by Christopher Columbus had triangular sails and were able to sail into the wind through a process called 'ticking.' These ships were larger and sturdier than most vessels in the Indian Ocean, making them suitable for long and challenging voyages.