Hominidae comprises a family of primates that include modern humans, extinct genera, and chimpanzees Hominidae are the family of great apes that are most closely related to humans, including chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. This family of primates shares a common ancestor, as evidenced by genetic and morphological studies. The direct descent of humans from the common ancestor is known as hominization.
Hominids are distinguished from other great apes primarily by their bipedal locomotion and greater brain size. This family of primates is believed to have evolved in eastern Africa some six million years ago. They have since spread out to the other continents, and the family includes humans and several extinct species, such as Homo neanderthalensis and Homo erectus.
The five best examples of hominid species are as follows:
1. Homo Sapiens – Homo sapiens, or "wise man," is the only species of hominid still in existence today. Homo sapiens have been around for at least 300,000 years, and have adapted to live in virtually every environment on Earth. Homo sapiens is the only species of hominid known to have developed language and develop the capacity for instrumental music.
2. Homo Neandethalensis – Homo neandethalensis, also known as the Neanderthal, is an extinct species of hominid that is closely related to Homo sapiens. Neanderthals lived in Europe and parts of western Asia until their extinction around 30,000 years ago. They are the closest extinct relatives to Homo sapiens, and they are known for their specialized hunting strategies, living in complex social groups, and using fire.
3. Homo Erectus – Homo erectus is an extinct species of hominid that is believed to have evolved from Homo habilis. Homo erectus is the first hominid species to be recognized as distinct from Homo sapiens. This species is believed to have migrated out of Africa about two million years ago, eventually settling in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Homo erectus is believed to have hunted large game, used stone tools, and lived in rudimentary dwellings.
4. Homo Habilis – Homo habilis is an extinct species of hominid that is believed to have evolved from australopithecines. This species is thought to have lived in eastern Africa between 2.4 and 1.4 million years ago. Homo habilis is notable for being the earliest species of hominid to demonstrate the use of stone tools.
5. Paranthropus – Paranthropus is a genus of extinct hominids known as the robust australopithecines. This genus of hominids is believed to have evolved in eastern Africa between four and two million years ago. Paranthropus is believed to have lived in savannah and woodland environments, and subsisted on a diet that included fruits, nuts, and tubers. They are believed to have used hard tools such as hand axes, and are thought to be the first hominids to use fire for cooking.