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Biology - Hominids

Hominids

There is not complete agreement on the details of hominid evolution
(modern humans and prehumans). Palaeoanthropologists [1] suggest that there
may have been more branches than are shown with the various hominids being
adapted to particular climatic and habitat conditions. It is now generally
accepted that the Neanderthals _(Homo sapiens neanderthalensis)_ were not
ancestors of modern humans but a sub-species which was adapted to colder
northern Europe.

The classification of the great apes and humans is difficult. In the light
of DNA comparisons, one solution is to place orangutans in the subfamily
_Ponginae_ and to combine African apes and humans in the subfamily
_Homininae._ In addition, a new level of classification is created, called
tribes with the _Hominini _for humans and prehumans, _Gorillinae_ for the
gorillas and _Panini_ for the chimpanzees.

Palaeoanthropologists recognise two forms within the genus
_Australopithecus_ - the _graciles_ and the robusts whose characteristics
are described by their names. Africa is thought to be where the genus Homo
evolved from _Australopithecus_ ancestors.

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Links:
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[1] http://alison.com/#