The characteristics and features : Exploring the Prehistoric Period and Human Origins 104 by Santhosh kumar Athaluri

The prehistoric period is a vast span of time before the advent of written records, and it encompasses several distinctive characteristics and features:

Absence of Writing: One of the defining features of the prehistoric period is the lack of written records. Without writing systems, historical events, cultural practices, and daily life were not recorded in the way we have records for later periods. Our knowledge of prehistoric times comes from archaeological evidence, artifacts, and scientific analysis.

Stone Tool Technology: Prehistoric humans primarily relied on stone tools for various tasks. The types and complexity of stone tools evolved over time. The Paleolithic period, in particular, is known for the development of simple tools in the early stages and more advanced tools like handaxes and blades in later stages.

Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle: During much of the prehistoric period, human societies were nomadic and depended on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for sustenance. They followed the movement of animals and seasonal resources.

Cave Art and Rock Shelters: Some prehistoric communities left behind fascinating cave art and rock paintings, providing valuable insights into their artistic expressions, beliefs, and daily life.

Burial Practices: Evidence of burial practices and rituals has been discovered at various prehistoric sites. These findings shed light on early human beliefs and concepts of the afterlife.

Megafauna and Extinct Species: The prehistoric period was a time when various large animals, known as megafauna, roamed the Earth. Many of these species, such as woolly mammoths and sabre-toothed cats, became extinct during or shortly after this period.

Cultural Evolution: Over the millennia, prehistoric societies underwent cultural evolution, developing increasingly sophisticated tools, art, and symbolic behavior. This process laid the groundwork for the transition to agricultural societies and the eventual development of civilizations.

Transition to Agriculture: Towards the end of the prehistoric period, some societies started adopting agriculture and domesticating animals, leading to settled communities and the shift from nomadic lifestyles to more permanent settlements.

Climate and Environmental Changes: Throughout the prehistoric period, the Earth's climate and environment experienced significant fluctuations, affecting the distribution of resources and shaping human behavior and migration patterns.

It's essential to recognize that the prehistoric period is vast, covering millions of years and different regions of the world. As a result, the characteristics and features varied across time and location, and our understanding of this period continues to evolve as new discoveries are made through ongoing archaeological research.