Final answer:
Early modern humans in Europe were nomadic hunter-gatherers during the Paleolithic age. They adapted to environmental changes, developed tools, shelters, clothing, and later engaged in artistic and religious practices. The transition to farming during the Neolithic Revolution marked a significant change in lifestyle and social organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early modern humans in Europe led a nomadic lifestyle as hunter-gatherers during the Paleolithic age. They relied on hunting wild animals and gathering edible plants for survival. Humans lived in small groups and utilized natural resources to meet their daily needs. Climatic changes, including the ice age, influenced their migration patterns, forcing them to adapt and relocate in search of food sources and more conducive environments. They developed tools, clothing, and shelters to cope with their surroundings and to enhance their prospects for sustenance. As the era progressed, early humans began to produce art and engage in religious practices, revealing an increasing complexity in their social and cultural lives.
These societies were characterized by egalitarian social structures with shared decision-making and a division of labor often based on gender. They had a deep understanding of their environment, which was essential for survival. The Neolithic Revolution marked a significant transition from foraging and hunting to farming, leading to the development of settled communities, which laid the groundwork for modern civilizations.
However, before agriculture was widely adopted, ancient humans enjoyed considerable leisure time and were generally healthier than their farming counterparts. This is due to the efficiency of hunting-gathering, which required fewer working hours. This leisure time allowed for the development of rich cultural and social practices.