What are hominids?

Hominids refer to a biological family known as Hominidae, which includes all modern humans, early humans, and human-like ancestors, such as the great apes (orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees, along with bonobos). The distinction of hominids encompasses an evolutionary lineage that not only includes contemporary humans but also the various species and subspecies that contributed to human evolution.

By identifying the category to which modern humans and their evolutionary predecessors belong, the correct choice highlights the broader scope of hominids, extending beyond just direct ancestors to include related species that share significant anatomical and genetic traits. This understanding emphasizes the evolutionary relationships and similarities among the various species classified under the hominid family. The term captures a wider spectrum of human evolution, including notable early hominids like Australopithecus and other extinct species related to the human lineage.

In contrast, some of the other options either limit the definition too narrowly—to modern humans only—or do not accurately reflect the classification of hominids by including all primates or only focusing on the genus Homo, which would exclude important in-between species in human evolution that are significant for understanding our lineage.