Hominidae

Quick Facts: Who was Hominidae?

Subject:

Hominidae

Known for:

Taxonomic family of great apes, including humans, gorillas, and orangutans.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Hominidae (; hominids ), whose members are known as the great apes, are a taxonomic family of primates that includes eight extant species in four genera: Pongo (the Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutan); Gorilla (the eastern and western gorilla); Pan (the chimpanzee and the bonobo); and Homo, of which only modern humans (Homo sapiens) remain. Numerous revisions in classifying the great apes have caused the use of the term hominid to change over time. The original meaning of "hominid" referred only to humans (Homo) and their closest extinct relatives.

Career & Major Achievements

However, by the 1990s humans and other apes were considered to be "hominids". The earlier restrictive meaning has now been largely assumed by the term hominin, which however additionally includes Pan.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Hominins more closely related to humans than to Pan are called Hominina, while the current meaning of "hominid" includes all the great apes including humans. Usage still varies, however, and some scientists and laypersons still use "hominid" in the original restrictive sense; the scholarly literature generally shows the traditional usage until the turn of the 21st century.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hominidae

True or False: “The term 'hominid' has a fluid and evolving meaning, which has caused significant confusion in scientific literature.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The definition of 'hominid' has changed drastically over time, shifting from a highly restrictive meaning (only *Homo*) to a much broader one encompassing all great apes.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hominidae