What are homonids? Hominids are taxonomic families of primates, including Homo. Today, there are eight species in the family. Extant members of the family include the gorilla, panther, and chimpanzee. Learn about the evolution of these primates to understand their fascinating history.

Are Humans Hominids?

The earliest Homonid fossil was found in 1938. It was a jawbone fragment found in a farm field in southern Africa. It was identified by Robert Broom and was different from Australopithecus africanus. The fossil was approximately 3 feet tall, weighed 119 pounds, and lived between 1.8 and 1.2 million years ago.

Homonids have shorter upper extremities and short legs. This enables them to walk upright. They also have very complex brains. Their nostrils point down and forward, and they have a complex social system. These apes build elaborate nests and care for their young over long periods of time.

Homonids include chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas. They are the closest living relatives of humans. There are eight extant species in the family. The species that are most closely related to humans are referred to as chimpanzees.

The classification of great apes has undergone several changes over the past few decades, resulting in varying usage of the word “hominid.” Originally, the word referred to humans and their closest relatives. Today, the word is now used to describe both apes and human beings.