What did Paleolithic and Neolithic societies leave behind in terms of material evidence?

Paleolithic and Neolithic societies are significant in the study of human history, particularly because they mark distinct phases of human development. The Paleolithic era, often referred to as the Old Stone Age, is characterized by small, nomadic hunter-gatherer groups. These societies primarily relied on simple tools made from stone and natural materials, and their movement meant that they did not create permanent structures. The evidence from this period is therefore limited—typically consisting of tools, cave art, and remnants of hearths.

As societies transitioned into the Neolithic era, they began to adopt agriculture and settled lifestyles, establishing some of the earliest farming communities. However, despite this advancement, the material evidence left behind is still relatively minimal compared to later civilizations. During this phase, while there were certainly more substantial artifacts such as pottery, woven textiles, and early forms of communal structures, the overall material evidence remains sparse.

The other options like extensive architectural structures, numerous written records, and complex urban settlements are not applicable to these early societies since the architectural techniques and writing systems that define later civilizations did not develop until after the Neolithic period. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the limited nature of the material legacy left by these early human communities.