HOMINID Meaning and
Definition
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Hominid refers to a member of the biological family Hominidae, which includes modern humans (Homo sapiens) and their closest extinct relatives. Hominids are characterized by their bipedal locomotion and larger brains compared to other primates. They belong to the order Primates and the suborder Anthropoidea.
Hominids are distinguished by various physical and behavioral traits. They are typically characterized by an upright posture, with the ability to walk on two legs, known as bipedalism. This adaptation allows greater mobility and frees the hands for tool use. Hominids also possess a relatively larger brain compared to other primates, which is associated with complex cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction.
The family Hominidae includes several genera and species. In addition to modern humans (Homo sapiens), other hominids include extinct species such as Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals), Homo erectus, Homo habilis, and Australopithecus, among others. The study of hominids and their evolutionary history is known as paleoanthropology.
Hominids exhibit a wide range of diversity in terms of physical characteristics, such as body size, cranial features, and dental morphology. They have inhabited various regions across the globe and have adapted to different ecological niches throughout their evolutionary history.
Understanding hominids is crucial in unraveling the story of human evolution and the origins of our species. By studying these ancestors and their behaviors, scientists gain insights into the biological and cultural factors that contributed to the development of modern humans.
Common Misspellings for HOMINID
Etymology of HOMINID
The word "hominid" comes from the Latin word "hominis", meaning "human". It is derived from the root word "homo", which means "man" or "human being" in Latin. The suffix "-id" is commonly used to indicate a family or group within the biological classification system. Therefore, "hominid" refers to the family of great apes, including humans and their close extinct relatives.
Similar spelling words for HOMINID
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