A "Hominid" refers to a group of primates that includes modern humans, our ancestors, and other extinct species closely related to us. This group is part of the family Hominidae, which also includes chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. Hominids are characterized by their ability to walk upright on two legs, known as bipedalism, and their larger brain sizes compared to other primates.
The study of hominids helps scientists understand human evolution and the development of traits such as tool use and social behavior. Fossils of various hominid species, like Australopithecus and Homo habilis, provide valuable insights into how early humans adapted to their environments over millions of years.