hominidae

Thân thiện

A scientist compares a modern human skull to a fossilized hominidae skull.

Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic family of primates: Hominidae is the biological family that includes modern humans (Homo sapiens), extinct human species (e.g., Neanderthals), and our closest living relatives, the great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans). This family is characterized by traits such as large brains, lack of a tail, and complex social behavior.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The discovery of the fossil provided new insights into the evolution of the Hominidae.
  • Chimpanzees and humans both belong to the family Hominidae.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific classification: The term is used precisely in taxonomy (the science of classification) to group species based on shared evolutionary ancestry.
  • The placement of orangutans within Hominidae was confirmed by genetic studies.

Variants and Related Words

• Hominid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Hominidae. As an adjective, it describes something relating to this family.

  • Fossil evidence suggests early hominids walked upright.
  • The hominid lineage diverged from that of other primates millions of years ago.

• Hominin (noun): A more specific term referring to the tribe Hominini, which includes modern humans, extinct human species, and our immediate ancestors (like Australopithecus), but typically excludes the other great apes.

  • The study focused on tool use by early hominins.

Synonyms

• Great ape family: A less technical term for Hominidae.
• Hominids: The common name for members of this family.

Related Terms (Scientific Context)

• Primates: The larger order of mammals that includes Hominidae.
• Anthropoidea: The suborder within Primates that includes monkeys, apes, and humans.
• Homo: The genus within Hominidae that includes modern and extinct humans.

Học thuật

Noun

1. modern man and extinct immediate ancestors of man

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Hominidae
• family Hominidae