Final answer:
The Neolithic is traditionally distinguished from the Paleolithic by the transition to settled agriculture. The Paleolithic era was characterized by a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle, while the Neolithic period saw the advent of agriculture, permanent settlements, and domesticated animals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traditionally, the Neolithic has been distinguished from the Paleolithic by settled agriculture. The Paleolithic era, or Old Stone Age, was characterized by a nomadic lifestyle with societies that hunted and gathered for their food. In contrast, the Neolithic era, or New Stone Age, marked a significant transformation with the advent of agriculture and the domestication of animals, leading to settled communities.
Neolithic settlements are identified by remnants such as permanent buildings, crop storage facilities, and evidence of animal domestication. The innovation of agriculture during the Neolithic Revolution enabled human populations to grow and gave rise to larger, more stable communities. This shift from hunting and gathering allowed for the development of labour specialization, the accumulation of food surpluses, and ultimately, the formation of complex societies. Unlike Paleolithic sites, which primarily showcase tools and artifacts related to a hunting-gathering way of life, Neolithic sites exhibit a clear advancement towards a sedentary and agricultural existence.