Final answer:
Early members of the genus Homo, such as Homo habilis, were responsible for creating the first stone tools known as Oldowan pebble tools in East Africa. These tools were significant advancements in human engineering and were crucial for various survival tasks. Over time, more complex tools were developed, including Acheulean hand-axes and later hafted tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Members of Genus Homo and Tool Making: The early members of Genus Homo, particularly Homo habilis, are widely recognized for their contributions to the development of early stone tools. Originating in East Africa, Homo habilis had a flatter face and a less sloping skull compared to predecessors like australopithecines, and they possessed larger brains. The tools associated with them are known as Oldowan pebble tools, which are the earliest known stone tools, featuring sharp flakes struck from cores. These tools represented a dramatic leap in human engineering and were instrumental in a variety of tasks, such as hunting, butchering, and bone marrow extraction. As time progressed, Homo species like Homo ergaster and Homo heidelbergensis began developing more advanced tools, such as the Acheulean hand-axes, and later, the technique of hafting to create tools with wood, metal, or bone handles. Clearly, the early Homo species set the foundation for more complex tool-making practices that would evolve substantially over time.