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The taxonomic term '''hominid''' is used by modern biologists to refer to humans, as well as the "great apes," including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and their ancestors up to several millions of years ago.

The term '''hominid''' has two common definitions.

# It can refer to a prehistoric cave man, as well as a modern human.

# In recent taxonomy works, it can refer to humans, as well as the great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and their ancestors up to several millions of years ago.

It is also colloquially used to refer to species ancestral to modern humans, including Australopithecus, Paranthropus, Ardipithecus, and Homo although the correct term for this group is '''hominina'''.

The first definition is similar to what is found in common dictionaries.<ref>Merriam-Webster dictionary [http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=hominid], American Heritage [http://www.bartleby.com/61/51/H0255100.html]</ref> It is also commonly used by scientists to refer to human ancestors and closely related species like [[Neanderthal]]s.<ref>This useum exhibit on hominids does not include gorillas. [http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk/collections/museum/hominid/hominid_index.shtml]</ref>

 

The second definition is preferred by modern biologists who deemphasize the distinction between humans and apes.

 

[[Category:Hominid]]

[[Category:Hominid]]

[[Category:Evolution]]

[[Category:Evolution]]

[[Category:Biology]]

[[Category:Biology]]