Final answer:
The Acheulian tool tradition, associated with Homo erectus, is characterized by advanced stone biface tools such as hand axes and cleavers, showing improved ergonomics and indicating cognitive and motor skills development. This tradition was a significant advance over the simpler Oldowan tools and preceded the Mousterian tool industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Features of the Acheulian Tool Tradition
The Acheulian tool industry, associated with Homo erectus and dating from approximately 1.6 million to 200,000 years ago, encompasses the production of complex tools. A hallmark of this tradition is the biface tools like hand axes and cleavers, which were worked on both sides to create a symmetrical shape. The hand axes are recognizable by their tapered end and rounded butt, while cleavers feature a wide cutting edge. These tools were often made by the soft hammer technique, using softer materials like wood or bone to shape harder stone materials.
Homo erectus displayed an increase in cognitive ability and motor skills through their creation of these symmetrical objects. The tools served various purposes including cutting, chopping, scraping, and piercing. The complexity of Acheulian tools represented a significant leap in technology from the earlier Oldowan tools, which were simpler and predominantly made by chipping rocks together. Acheulian tools were shaped to fit the hand better, indicating early ergonomic design considerations.
The transition from the Acheulian to the more advanced Mousterian tool industry marks a shift to more specialized tools, such as smaller hand-axes and sharp flake tools, which emerged around 250,000 years ago. This industry, notably associated with Neanderthals, led to advancements in tool-making that paved the way for subsequent technological innovations in human history.