Difference between revisions of "Hominid"
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The term '''hominid''' has two common definitions. | The term '''hominid''' has two common definitions. | ||
| − | # It can, colloquially | + | # It can, colloquially <ref>http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=hominid</ref>, refer to the ancestors of modern humans. 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> |
| − | + | # In [[taxonomy]], it can refer to humans, as well as the great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and their evolutionary ancestors. This technical definition is preferred by biologists, as per the [[Linnaean System of Classification]] which groups organisms together by their ancestry. | |
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== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 16:10, May 15, 2007
The term hominid has two common definitions.
- It can, colloquially [1], refer to the ancestors of modern humans. It is also commonly used by scientists to refer to human ancestors and closely related species like Neanderthals.[2]
- In taxonomy, it can refer to humans, as well as the great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and their evolutionary ancestors. This technical definition is preferred by biologists, as per the Linnaean System of Classification which groups organisms together by their ancestry.
References
- ↑ http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=hominid
- ↑ This useum exhibit on hominids does not include gorillas. [1]