The Lower Paleolithic is the earliest part of the Paleolithic era, spanning from about 2.6 million to around 300,000 years ago. This period is marked by the emergence of the first stone tools, primarily associated with early human ancestors like Homo habilis and Homo erectus. These tools, known as the Oldowan and Acheulean technologies, were used for various tasks, including cutting, scraping, and hunting. During the Lower Paleolithic, early humans began to develop social structures and adapt to diverse environments. They were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on wild plants and animals for sustenance. This era laid the foundation for later human evolution and the eventual rise of more advanced cultures in the Upper Paleolithic.