Hominids are a family of primates that have evolved from apes and chimpanzees. They are highly social creatures with elaborate vocalizations and facial expressions. Hominins make nests and generally give birth to one young. The period of parental care is prolonged.
Bonobos
Hominidae comprises four genera and five species. Members of the family are restricted to equatorial Africa, Asia, and Sumatra. They range in size from 48 to 270 kilograms. They are among the largest primates. They have a robust skeleton and a large brain. They also have slender bodies with shorter limb bones.
Although there is no consensus on the relationship between humans and other Great Apes, recent genetic studies have shown that we are distantly related to these animals. While the term ‘hominid’ refers to all Great Apes, some scientists believe humans and chimpanzees are related only genetically.
Researchers have discovered a new genus of hominids. The name of this new species is Ugandapithecus major. Its fossils have been described and analyzed. They support the hypothesis of divergence between hominids and cercopithecoids.
The fossils from eastern Africa suggest that hominins migrated out of Africa’s wet equatorial belt. There, they encountered a variety of animals, including hyenas and elephants. This was also a time when the equatorial belt contracted. It is also when the chimpanzees separated from gorillas.