The Paleolithic period, also known as the Stone Age, is a prehistoric era characterized by the use of stone tools by early human ancestors. It spans from approximately 2.5 million years ago to about 10,000 years ago. During this time, humans lived as hunter-gatherers in small nomadic groups, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for survival. The Paleolithic period witnessed the development of basic social structures, the control of fire, and the emergence of early forms of art,