The Mesolithic Era, also known as the Middle Stone Age, occurred approximately between 10,000 and 5,000 BCE. This period followed the last Ice Age and is characterized by the development of small, specialized tools made from stone, bone, and wood. People during this time were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on wild animals and plants for food. During the Mesolithic, humans began to adapt to changing environments, leading to the establishment of semi-permanent settlements. This era saw the emergence of new technologies, such as bow and arrow and fishing gear, which improved hunting and gathering efficiency. The Mesolithic laid the groundwork for the later Neolithic Era, marked by agriculture and permanent farming communities.