Final answer:
Acheulean tools were more advanced than earlier Oldowan tools, featuring bifacial modification for a symmetrical shape and a sharper edge made using the soft hammer technique. They represent an evolutionary step in human cognitive and technological ability, remaining in use for over a million years.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Acheulean Tools Differ from Earlier Tools:
The Acheulean tools signify a leap forward in the sophistication of stone tool technology. Compared to the earlier Oldowan tools, Acheulean hand-axes were carefully crafted to be teardrop-shaped and sharp, which made them more effective than the cruder, more primitive Oldowan hand-axes. The bifacial modification of Acheulean tools, where they were worked on both sides to create a symmetrical two-faced tool, was another key differentiator, illustrating not only an advancement in cognitive ability of the toolmakers but also enhanced motor skills.
Acheulean tools were primarily conceived using the soft hammer technique, where softer materials like bone or wood were used to chip off small flakes from the hard rock, creating a smoother and more uniform cutting edge. These tools offered better grip and were versatile for a range of tasks, from cutting to chopping and scraping. In comparison, Oldowan tools were fashioned by simply striking rocks against each other to create an edge. The finesse in creating Acheulean tools demonstrated a significant evolution in the cognitive and technical abilities of ancient humans such as Homo ergaster and Homo erectus, and they remained dominant for over a million years before being succeeded by Mousterian and later tool industries.