The Stone Age is a prehistoric period when early humans primarily used stone tools. This era is divided into three main parts: the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. During the Paleolithic, people were mostly nomadic hunter-gatherers, relying on wild animals and plants for food. They created simple tools and lived in caves or temporary shelters. As time progressed into the Neolithic period, humans began to settle down and practice agriculture. This shift allowed them to form permanent communities and develop new technologies, such as pottery and weaving. The Stone Age laid the foundation for future civilizations and significant advancements in human society.