Difference between revisions of "Hominid"
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(restore both common definitions, and avoid saying one is incorrect) |
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The term '''hominid''' has two common definitions. | The term '''hominid''' has two common definitions. | ||
| − | # It can refer to a prehistoric cave man, as well as a modern human. | + | # It can, colloquially, refer to a prehistoric cave man, as well as a modern human. |
| − | # In | + | # In [[taxonomy]], it can refer to humans, as well as the great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and their evolutionary ancestors. |
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 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 | + | The second definition is preferred by biologists; as per the [[Linnaean System of Classification]], it groups the organisms together by their ancestry. |
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 15:15, May 13, 2007
The term hominid has two common definitions.
- It can, colloquially, refer to a prehistoric cave man, as well as a modern human.
- In taxonomy, it can refer to humans, as well as the great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and their evolutionary ancestors.
The first definition is similar to what is found in common dictionaries.[1] It is also commonly used by scientists to refer to human ancestors and closely related species like Neanderthals.[2]
The second definition is preferred by biologists; as per the Linnaean System of Classification, it groups the organisms together by their ancestry.