In the study of prehistoric art, ancient cave and rock paintings made by early humans have been famously discovered in which pair of European countries?

Introduction / Context:
Prehistoric cave and rock paintings are some of the earliest known examples of human artistic expression. These paintings usually show animals, human figures, and abstract signs and give us insight into the lives and beliefs of early humans. Several parts of the world have such sites, but some of the most famous are located in Europe. This question asks you to identify the pair of European countries known for classic prehistoric cave art.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on ancient rock or cave paintings made by early humans.
• The question refers to famous European examples often mentioned in textbooks.
• The options list various country pairs, including some outside Europe.
• You must choose the pair that correctly names two European countries famous for prehistoric cave art.

Concept / Approach:
Two of the most famous prehistoric cave painting sites in the world are Altamira in Spain and Lascaux in France. Both contain detailed images of animals such as bison, horses, and deer, painted thousands of years ago. These sites are frequently used as examples in art history and world history classes. While India and China also have rock art and caves, the classic illustrations in many school texts that show bison paintings on ceilings and walls usually come from Spain and France. Therefore, the correct pair is Spain and France.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the names Altamira and Lascaux as famous prehistoric cave art sites.Step 2: Remember that Altamira is in northern Spain and Lascaux is in southwestern France.Step 3: Look at the options and identify which one lists Spain and France together.Step 4: Option c clearly mentions Spain and France, matching this knowledge.Step 5: The other options mix European and non European countries or list only one of the famous locations and another unrelated region.

Verification / Alternative check:
Art history resources and documentaries on prehistoric art often focus on these European caves. They show colored paintings on cave ceilings and walls, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The sites are often described as masterpieces of prehistoric art. While there are rock paintings in India, China, and other countries, the pair Spain and France appears together again and again in descriptions of classic prehistoric cave art, confirming that this is the expected answer at exam level.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
India and Nepal are in South Asia, and although there are rock paintings in India, the question asks for a pair of European countries known worldwide for such caves.
China and India include one East Asian and one South Asian country and do not form the well known European pair associated with Altamira and Lascaux.
France and India incorrectly mix one European country with one South Asian country and do not represent the classic European pairing found in most textbooks.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may remember that India also has ancient rock art and therefore be tempted by options that include India. However, the question clearly points to European examples, and the best known combination in that context is Spain and France. A useful memory aid is to associate Altamira with Spain and Lascaux with France whenever cave painting is discussed.

Final Answer:
Famous prehistoric cave and rock paintings have been discovered in Spain and France.