Which of the following was a significant technological breakthrough that occurred during the Paleolithic era?
*1 point
A. the use of coins as money
B. the invention of the wheel
C. the ability to create fire
D. the use of writing
C. the ability to create fire
The significant technological breakthrough that occurred during the Paleolithic era was C. the ability to create fire.
The Paleolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age, spanned from approximately 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE. During this time, early humans relied on stone tools and were primarily hunter-gatherers. While there were limited technological advancements during this period, one significant breakthrough was the ability to create fire, which answers option C.
To explain further, the ability to control fire was a crucial development for early humans. Fire provided warmth, protection, and a source of light, enabling them to ward off predators and expand their geographic range. Fire also played a vital role in cooking food, making it more digestible and reducing the risk of consuming harmful microorganisms. Additionally, fire was used for tool-making, as it allowed early humans to modify the properties of certain materials like flint for crafting sharper and more effective tools.
As for the other options:
A. The use of coins as money (option A) was not relevant during the Paleolithic era, as societies had not yet developed the concept of currency or monetary systems.
B. The invention of the wheel (option B) occurred much later during the Neolithic era (New Stone Age), which followed the Paleolithic era.
D. The use of writing (option D) also emerged later in human history during the Bronze Age, which followed the Neolithic era.
It's important to note that the Paleolithic era was a time of gradual technological progress, and the ability to create fire was a crucial advancement that greatly influenced early human survival and development.