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Difficulty: MediumComprehending Explicit Comparisons and Contrasts

Passage:
The archaeological record of early hominins reveals a transition between two distinct stone tool traditions. The Oldowan tool industry, which emerged approximately 2.6 million years ago, was characterized by simple, opportunistic flake tools and core choppers. Oldowan toolmakers merely struck a few flakes from a stone cobble to create a sharp edge, leaving the original shape of the cobble largely unaltered. In contrast, the subsequent Acheulean industry, beginning around 1.7 million years ago, introduced a significant technological shift: toolmakers intentionally planned and worked both sides of the stone to produce symmetrical, bifacial handaxes. Despite these distinct manufacturing techniques, the two industries shared key features: both relied on local raw materials such as basalt and quartzite, and both were used primarily for the butchery and processing of animal carcasses.

According to the passage, how did the Acheulean toolmaking process differ explicitly from the Oldowan toolmaking process?

  1. A
    Acheulean toolmakers utilized basalt and quartzite, while Oldowan toolmakers relied on less durable raw materials.
  2. B
    Acheulean toolmakers used their implements to process animal carcasses, while Oldowan toolmakers used theirs for plant harvesting.
  3. Acheulean toolmakers deliberately flaked both sides of the stone to create symmetrical tools, while Oldowan toolmakers left the stone's overall shape largely unchanged.Answer
  4. D
    Acheulean toolmaking techniques were developed prior to the emergence of the Oldowan industry.

Answer

Acheulean toolmakers deliberately flaked both sides of the stone to create symmetrical tools, while Oldowan toolmakers left the stone's overall shape largely unchanged.
The correct option correctly identifies the explicit difference in the manufacturing process described in the text: Oldowan toolmakers did not alter the original shape of the stone cobble, whereas Acheulean toolmakers worked both sides to create symmetrical shapes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the portion of the passage that describes the manufacturing processes of both tool industries.
The third and fourth sentences describe the Oldowan process ('merely struck a few flakes... leaving the original shape of the cobble largely unaltered') and contrast it with the Acheulean process ('intentionally planned and worked both sides of the stone to produce symmetrical, bifacial handaxes').
This establishes the explicit comparison and contrast regarding how the tools were physically shaped.
2
Compare the located facts with the provided choices to identify the correct contrast.
The option stating that Acheulean toolmakers flaked both sides while Oldowan toolmakers left the shape unchanged directly matches the text's description. The other options contradict explicit facts about shared materials, shared usage, or the chronological sequence stated in the passage.
This confirms the correct literal interpretation of the explicit comparison made in the passage.

Key Concept

Identifying explicitly stated differences and similarities between two entities within a reading passage.
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Topics

Comprehending Explicit Comparisons and Contrasts

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