Hunters and gatherers were the earliest human societies and lived during the Paleolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age. These societies relied on hunting and gathering as their primary means of obtaining food and resources. While both hunters and gatherers were dependent on the environment for survival, there were significant differences in their lifestyles and strategies for obtaining resources.

Diet:
- Hunters primarily relied on hunting and fishing for their food. They would use various tools such as spears, bows and arrows, and traps to capture animals.
- Gatherers, on the other hand, mainly collected plant-based food sources such as fruits, seeds, nuts, and roots. They would also gather edible insects and small animals.

Mobility:
- Hunters were often nomadic, constantly moving from one location to another in search of game. They followed the migration patterns of animals and had to adapt to different environments.
- Gatherers, on the other hand, had a more sedentary lifestyle. They would establish temporary or seasonal settlements near areas with abundant plant resources. This allowed them to focus on gathering and processing food.

Division of Labor:
- In hunter societies, men typically took on the role of hunting, while women were responsible for gathering plant-based food and taking care of children. This division of labor was based on physical strength and the need for childcare.
- In gatherer societies, gathering food was often a collective effort. Both men and women participated in gathering activities, although there might have been some division of labor based on age or physical abilities.

Technology and Tools:
- Hunters relied on tools such as spears, knives, and bows and arrows for hunting and fishing. These tools were often made from animal bones, stones, and wood.
- Gatherers used tools such as digging sticks, baskets, and grinding stones to gather and process plant-based food. These tools were made from natural materials such as wood, bone, and stone.

Settlement and Housing:
- Hunter societies did not have permanent settlements. They would set up temporary campsites or shelters made from animal hides, branches, and other natural materials. These shelters were easily assembled and disassembled to accommodate their nomadic lifestyle.
- Gatherer societies had more permanent or semi-permanent settlements. They would build simple structures such as huts or shelters using available resources.

In conclusion, while both hunters and gatherers relied on the environment for survival, there were distinct differences in their diets, mobility, division of labor, technology, and settlement patterns. Hunters focused primarily on hunting animals for food and were often nomadic, whereas gatherers relied on gathering plant-based food sources and had more sedentary lifestyles. These early human societies played a crucial role in shaping human history and laid the foundation for the development of agriculture and civilization.