Hominid Species

"Hominid" refers to members of the human family, Hominidae, which consist of all species from the point where the human line splits from apes towards present day humans.

Habitual bipedal locomotion (movement on two legs), an upright position, and a large brain that has lead to: tool use, language, and culture characterize hominids.

The hominid evolutionary line begins with:

Ardipithecus ramidus

This species is the oldest known hominid, dated at 4.4 million years ago. It was announced in September of 1994. A few fragmentary skull remains were found in Ethiopia, Africa. Due to the lack of fossil material found, scientists do not know much about this species.

Characteristics:

• ape-like with long, curved phalanges (fingers and toes)

• chimp-like teeth, including large canines

• premolars and molars

• thin tooth enamel

The importance of this hominid is that scientists believe it to be forest dwelling, which counter-argues the theory that hominids became bipedal because they moved to a savanna environment.