Hominin
Hominin (Hoh-muh-nin)
Hominin is a term used in paleoanthropology, the study of early human evolution, to refer to members of the human lineage after it split from the lineage that led to chimpanzees and bonobos. The term is derived from the Latin homo, meaning "human", and the suffix -inin, which denotes belonging or relation.
Etymology
The term "Hominin" is derived from the Latin homo, meaning "human", and the suffix -inin, which denotes belonging or relation. It was first used in the early 21st century to replace the term "hominid", which was used to refer to all great apes and humans. The change in terminology reflects a shift in our understanding of human evolution, with the recognition that humans are more closely related to some great apes (chimpanzees and bonobos) than to others (gorillas and orangutans).
Related Terms
- Hominidae: The family that includes humans and great apes.
- Hominoid: A superfamily that includes humans, great apes, and gibbons.
- Hominina: A subtribe that includes humans and our closest extinct relatives.
- Homo: The genus that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives.
See Also
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