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Hominids: meaning, definitions and examples

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hominids

 

[ ˈhɒmɪnɪdz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biology, anthropology

Hominids are a family of primates that includes modern humans, their ancestors, and other extinct relatives. This family is characterized by larger brains, an upright posture, and the ability to use tools. Hominids are significant for understanding human evolution and the development of social behaviors.

Synonyms

great apes, homininae, human-like beings.

Examples of usage

  • The study of hominids provides insight into human evolution.
  • Fossils of various hominids have been discovered in Africa.
  • Hominids such as Australopithecus display early bipedalism.
  • Understanding hominids helps us learn about our ancestors.

Etymology

The term 'hominids' is derived from the family name 'Hominidae', which is rooted in Latin and Greek. The Latin word 'homo' means 'man', while 'idae' is a suffix used in taxonomy to denote a family. The classification of hominids was developed as scientific understanding of human evolution progressed. In the 19th century, as paleontology advanced, scientists began classifying ancient human relatives, contributing to the establishment of hominids as a distinct group. The term emphasizes the evolutionary relationship between humans and other great apes, differentiating them from other primate families. This focus on evolutionary biology reflects ongoing research into the genetic and morphological traits shared by modern humans and their ancestors, enhancing our understanding of our place in the tree of life.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,379, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.