what is paleolithic age

The Paleolithic, or Old Stone Age, is a period in human prehistory characterized by the original development of stone tools. It extends from the earliest known use of stone tools by hominins, around 3.3 million years ago, to the end of the Pleistocene, about 12,000 years ago. During this time, hominins lived in small societies and subsisted by gathering plants, fishing, and hunting or scavenging wild animals. The Paleolithic Age is divided into the Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic, with each stage characterized by different stone tool industries. The Upper Paleolithic saw the emergence of more sophisticated tools and is known for the production of Paleolithic art, such as small sculptures and cave paintings