Mesolithic refers to the era 10,000- 7000 BCE. In the Greek language mesolithic translates as "middle stone age."

Neolithic refers to the era 10,000 BCE. In the Greek language neolithic translates as "new stone age."

Paleolithic refers to the era 2,500,00- 10,000 BCE. In the Greek language pleolithic translates as "old stone age."

Homo Sapien is the biological classification which includes human beings as we know them today. The first homo sapiens appeared in Africa about 200,000 years ago.

The hominids were creatures which share many similarities with human beings. Hominids lived in Africa several million years ago. The hominids known as Australopithecines of East and South Africa were known to use stone tools. See Homo Sapiens.