The Paleolithic age was the earliest and longest period of the stone age, and lasted from around 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 years ago. During this period, humans used simple stone tools, such as hand axes and scrapers, to hunt and gather food.
The Mesolithic age was a transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages, and lasted from around 10,000 years ago to around 5,000 years ago. During this period, humans began to use more advanced stone tools, such as bows and arrows, and started to domesticate animals and plants.
The Neolithic age was the last period of the stone age, and lasted from around 5,000 years ago to around 3,000 years ago. During this period, humans began to use polished stone tools, such as axes and hoes, and started to live in permanent settlements.
The stone age ended when humans began to use metals to make their tools and weapons, and this period is known as the Bronze Age.