Final answer:
The species recognized for making stone tools are members of the genus Homo, such as Homo habilis, not Australopithecus. While Australopithecus did develop primitive tool-making technology, Homo habilis and succeeding Homo species improved the complexity of these tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
The smart apes that are widely recognized for making stone tools are members of the genus Homo, particularly Homo habilis. This species, which stood only 90-120 centimeters tall and had a brain volume of about 800 cubic centimeters, showed distinct characteristics aligning more with humans than with Australopithecus, such as smaller teeth and hands capable of precise manipulation. It's important to note that while Homo habilis was long thought to be the earliest stone tool maker among hominins, evidence now suggests that some tools may predate this species. In fact, an Australopithecine species, A. garhi, has been associated with stone tool use before Homo habilis, at around 2.6 million years ago.
Despite being called "handy man,” the title indicating Homo habilis as the first toolmaker has been questioned with new findings. Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis, both early Homo species, coexisted and represent a transitional phase towards the more advanced hominids. On the other hand, Australopithecus is known for its earlier evolution about four million years ago and its more primitive tool-making abilities. Although it was the first to develop tool-making technology, the complexity and structure of the tools improved significantly with the evolution of Homo species, such as Homo habilis and later Homo erectus.