Australopithecus afarensis is believed to be the earliest known ancestor of modern humans, dating back to approximately 3.9 million years ago.

The Oldowan industry, named after the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, is the oldest known stone tool industry, dating back to approximately 2.6 million years ago.

Homo erectus is associated with the development of the Acheulean handaxe, a more sophisticated stone tool characterized by a symmetrical shape and bifacial flaking.

Glacial periods are characterized by colder temperatures and the expansion of glaciers, while interglacial periods are warmer and glaciers retreat.

Homo neanderthalensis is associated with the development of the Mousterian tool industry, which featured standardized flakes and points, and is considered a significant advancement in stone tool technology.

Chauvet Cave in France contains some of the earliest known cave paintings and engravings, dating back to approximately 30,000 years ago.

Homo sapiens, modern humans, are associated with the development of the Aurignacian tool industry, which featured bone and antler tools and ornaments, and is considered a significant cultural advancement.

The Holocene is the current geological epoch, which began approximately 11,700 years ago and is characterized by the rise of modern humans and the development of agriculture.

Homo sapiens, modern humans, are associated with the development of the Solutrean tool industry, which featured finely crafted stone tools and blades, and is considered a significant technological advancement.

The Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, is characterized by the development of agriculture and settled communities, and is considered a major transition in human history.

Homo sapiens, modern humans, are associated with the development of the Magdalenian tool industry, which featured bone and antler tools and elaborate cave art, and is considered a significant cultural advancement.

The Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age, is characterized by the emergence of metalworking and metallurgy, particularly the use of copper, and is considered a transition between the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Homo sapiens, modern humans, are associated with the development of the Azilian tool industry, which featured microliths and bone tools, and is considered a significant technological advancement.

The Bronze Age is characterized by the development of bronze metallurgy, the emergence of writing, and the rise of complex civilizations, and is considered a major turning point in human history.

Homo sapiens, modern humans, are associated with the development of the Tardenoisian tool industry, which featured microliths and bone tools, and is considered a significant technological advancement.