During the last Ice Age, early humans made several adaptations to survive in varied environments. Here are three key adaptations:
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Clothing and Shelter: Early humans developed warmer clothing made from animal hides and furs to protect themselves from the cold temperatures. They also constructed durable shelters, such as tents made from animal skins and igloos or structures made from stone, wood, and ice, to provide refuge from the harsh weather conditions.
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Hunting and Gathering Techniques: To adapt to the changing availability of food, early humans improved their hunting techniques, utilizing tools like spears and atlatls (spear-throwers) to hunt large prey like mammoths and woolly rhinoceroses. They also diversified their diet by gathering edible plants, berries, and nuts, which became crucial during times when large game was scarce.
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Social Organization and Cooperation: Ice Age humans often lived in small groups or bands, which allowed them to cooperate in hunting, gathering, and sharing resources. This social structure enhanced their chances of survival, as working together improved their ability to hunt larger animals and provided better protection against predators.
These adaptations helped early humans endure the challenges presented by the last Ice Age and enabled them to thrive in various environments.
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