Definition

Noun: - A taxonomic suborder within the order Primates, comprising the group of animals that includes monkeys, apes, and hominids (including humans). This group is characterized by features such as forward-facing eyes, larger brains relative to body size, and more complex social behaviors compared to other primates.

Usage

The term is used in scientific, zoological, and anthropological contexts to classify and discuss this specific branch of primates. - The fossil record provides crucial evidence for the evolution of the suborder Anthropoidea. - Comparative studies within the suborder Anthropoidea help us understand the development of primate intelligence.

Advanced Usage

• Phylogenetic Context: The term is used to denote a clade, meaning it includes all descendants of a common ancestor. In modern cladistics, "Anthropoidea" is often considered synonymous with the infraorder Simiiformes.
• Distinguishing from Prosimians: "Suborder Anthropoidea" is traditionally contrasted with the suborder Prosimii (prosimians, such as lemurs and lorises), highlighting a major division within primates based on anatomical and behavioral traits.

Variants and Related Words

• Anthropoid (adj/noun): (Adjective) Resembling a human, especially in form or appearance. (Noun) A member of the suborder Anthropoidea.
  • The anthropoid skull exhibited clear signs of evolution.
  • Gibbons and gorillas are both anthropoids.
• Simian (adj/noun): Pertaining to or characteristic of apes or monkeys; sometimes used more broadly than "anthropoid."
  • The researcher observed simian behavior in the troop.

Synonyms

• Simiiformes (n): The infraorder name often used interchangeably with Anthropoidea in modern taxonomic classifications.
• Higher primates: A common, informal term distinguishing this group from prosimians ("lower primates").

Related Phrases

• Anthropoid ape: A term historically used for the tailless primates (great apes and lesser apes) within the anthropoids.
  • The anthropoid apes include chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.

Noun

1. monkeys; apes; hominids