Which of the following species is often referred to as the "tool maker" of the Genus Homo?

The designation of "tool maker" within the Genus Homo is primarily associated with Homo habilis. This species, which lived approximately 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago, is notable for its use of tools, specifically the Oldowan tool culture, which includes some of the earliest known stone tools. Homo habilis represents a significant evolutionary advancement from earlier hominins, demonstrating an increased brain size and the ability to create tools that were more refined than those of its predecessors.

This association with tool-making highlights Homo habilis's important role in the evolution of hominin species, as the ability to create and use tools is seen as a critical factor in the survival and adaptation of early human ancestors. The tools allowed for more efficient food processing and may have contributed to dietary diversification, which could have implications for social structures and cognitive development.

Other species within the Genus Homo, such as Homo erectus, Homo heidelbergensis, and Homo neanderthalensis, also used tools, but they are often associated with more advanced tools or different tool-making traditions developed later in human evolution. Homo habilis stands out as the species that marked the beginning of this crucial cultural development, thus earning its title as the "tool maker."