Final answer:
The Pleistocene is a geological epoch that lasted from around 2.5 million years ago to 11,700 years ago. Human cultures of the time were affected by the extinction of large mammals, which is believed to be caused by over-hunting by humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pleistocene is a geological epoch that began around 2.5 million years ago and ended approximately 11,700 years ago. It is also known as the Ice Age, characterized by the presence of glaciers and fluctuating global temperatures. During the Pleistocene, human cultures were greatly impacted by the changes in climate and environment. The extinction of large mammals, such as woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats, is believed to be partly caused by over-hunting by humans. The loss of these megafauna animals likely had significant effects on early human societies, forcing them to adapt to different food sources and altering their social dynamics.