Difference between revisions of "Hominid"
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(restore both common definitions, and avoid saying one is incorrect) |
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| − | The | + | 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 | + | 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> |
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| + | The second definition is preferred by modern biologists who deemphasize the distinction between humans and apes. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == References == | ||
| + | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Hominid]] | [[Category:Hominid]] | ||
[[Category:Evolution]] | [[Category:Evolution]] | ||
[[Category:Biology]] | [[Category:Biology]] | ||
Revision as of 22:26, May 12, 2007
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.
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 modern biologists who deemphasize the distinction between humans and apes.