Final answer:
Based on current research and hypotheses, Homo florensiensis is most closely related to Homo erectus, likely being a descendant through insular dwarfism after becoming isolated on Flores.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of which species Homo florensiensis is most closely related to, whether it is Australopithecines, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, or Neandertals, is an intriguing one that speaks to the complex evolutionary history of the hominin family. Based on current scientific evidence, some researchers hypothesize that Homo florensiensis might be a sister species of Homo habilis, indicating a divergence that occurred before or shortly after the evolution of H. habilis. Others suggest that H. florensiensis was actually a descendant of Homo erectus, having become isolated on the island of Flores and subsequently undergoing insular dwarfism.
Considering the evidence and varying hypotheses, the closest known relative of Homo florensiensis seems to be Homo erectus. This is supported by the fact that Homo erectus is known to have developed advanced stone tool-making skills and had a widespread distribution that could include regions close to where H. florensiensis was discovered.