University:
Arizona State University
Course:
BIO 181 | Biology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

34

Pages:

3
Author:

Thuyoul US

Paleolitich epoch It is common to split the enormous Paleolithic epoch—which lasted for over 2.6 million years—into three separate eras, known as the Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic. There were notable changes in human behavior, technology, and environmental adaption at each phase. Out of the three eras, the Lower Paleolithic was the longest, lasting from approximately 2.6 million years ago to roughly 300,000 years ago. Homo erectus and Homo habilis were among the early hominids that roamed the Earth during this period. Their huntergatherer existence depended on gathering food plants, scavenging animal carcasses, and gradually acquiring the knowledge and equipment required for hunting. The Oldowan tool industry, which produced basic stone flakes and choppers by hitting one stone against another, was the technological signature of the Lower Paleolithic. These crude implements were used for a variety of tasks, including as preparing plant materials and killing animals. During this time, people also began to employ fire for cooking, warmth, and protection. Between 300,000 and 40,000 years ago, there were major advances in both technology and culture throughout the Middle Paleolithic. During this period, the powerful and resourceful hominid species Homo neanderthalensis flourished. They gave rise to the Mousterian tool industry, which produced sharper and more specialized tools including scrapers, points, and hand axes using a more advanced technique of making stone tools. In addition, Neanderthals showed indications of sophisticated social activity, including tending to the ill and injured, burying the dead, and possibly creating artwork and personal ornamentation as a form of symbolic expression. They learned how to hunt big animals, built shelters, and dressed in animal hides to survive in the harsh glacial conditions of the era. The last stage of the Paleolithic, known as the Upper Paleolithic, lasted from roughly 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. During this time, modern humans, or Homo sapiens, emerged, and cultural and technological innovation flourished. During this period, the Aurignacian tool industry evolved, distinguished by carefully produced blades, bone tools, and the application of pressure flaking techniques. The walls of rock shelters and caves throughout Europe and beyond are covered in paintings, sculptures, and engravings from the Upper Paleolithic, an artistically expressive time. These artistic creations, which featured human figures, animals, and abstract symbols, shed light on the customs and beliefs of prehistoric people. The development of increasingly sophisticated hunting techniques, such as the use of bows and arrows and spear throwers, occurred throughout the Upper Paleolithic. After migrating across continents to reach Australia and the Americas, humans evolved to survive in a variety of environmental conditions. The Mesolithic, a time of progressive environmental change and warming, began at the conclusion of the Paleolithic. Agriculture and domestication experiments by humans laid the groundwork for the Neolithic Revolution and the development of civilization. Nonetheless, the Paleolithic era continues to be an intriguing part of human history, demonstrating the creativity, adaptability, and cultural diversity of our prehistoric forebears.