The term "Mezolitik" refers to the Mesolithic period, which is a transitional phase between the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. This period, occurring roughly between 10,000 and 5,000 BCE, is characterized by the development of small-scale hunter-gatherer societies. People during the Mezolitik relied on a diverse diet, utilizing both wild plants and animals, and began to create more sophisticated tools made from stone, bone, and wood. During the Mezolitik, climate changes led to the end of the last Ice Age, resulting in the rise of new ecosystems. This period saw the emergence of semi-permanent settlements, as groups began to exploit local resources more intensively. The Mezolitik laid the groundwork for the agricultural advancements that would define the subsequent Neolithic period.