Early human beings were the first people to live on Earth. Historians and archaeologists reconstruct their lives from fossils, tools and other material remains.
Meaning of Early Human Beings
Early humans are also called primitive humans because they lived before the development of modern technology and written records. Their history is studied mainly through archaeological evidence.
Stages of Human Development
- Early hominids developed gradually in physical form, intelligence and skill.
- The Stone Age was characterized by the use of stone tools.
- The period is commonly studied through the Old Stone Age, Middle Stone Age and New Stone Age.
Life in the Stone Age
- People depended on hunting, fishing and gathering wild fruits and roots.
- They lived in caves or temporary shelters and moved from place to place in search of food.
- They used stone tools for cutting, hunting, scraping and protection.
- The discovery and control of fire provided warmth, light, protection and cooked food.
Importance of the Stone Age
The Stone Age laid the foundation for later human progress. Tool-making, cooperation, language and the control of fire helped people adapt to their environment.
