Difference between revisions of "Hominid"
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(cave man isn't very professional) |
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The term '''hominid''' has two common definitions. | The term '''hominid''' has two common definitions. | ||
| − | # It can | + | # It can refer to prehistoric man, as well as a modern human. It is the colloquial cave man. |
# In [[taxonomy]], it can refer to humans, as well as the great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and their evolutionary ancestors. | # 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 biologists | + | The second definition is preferred by many modern biologists who deemphasize the distinction between humans and apes. |
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 18:57, June 2, 2007
The term hominid has two common definitions.
- It can refer to prehistoric man, as well as a modern human. It is the colloquial cave man.
- 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 many modern biologists who deemphasize the distinction between humans and apes.