Hominins are a group of species that includes modern humans, Homo sapiens, and our closest extinct relatives. They are part of the family Hominidae, which also includes great apes like chimpanzees and gorillas. Hominins are characterized by their ability to walk upright on two legs, known as bipedalism, and their larger brains compared to other primates. The study of hominins helps scientists understand human evolution and how we adapted to different environments over millions of years. Fossils of various hominin species, such as Australopithecus and Neanderthals, provide valuable insights into our ancestry and the development of traits like tool use and social behavior.