At present two systems are used to label humans, apes, and their recent ancestors. Core Concepts in Biological Anthropology uses a new system based on DNA evidence (see figures 7.2 and 7.3). Read an article explaining the new system. Then do a Web activity to investigate who uses the older and newer terms.

Hominid vs. Hominin: Two Classifications

Figure 7-2 (11.0K)
Figure 7-3 (13.0K)

Think about: What does the newer classification system suggest about the relationships between Homo sapiens and other primates?

Viewpoint: Is It Time to Revise the System of Scientific Naming?

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/12/1204_hominin_id.html

Think about: Why is the debate over the term "hominin" important?

1			Do two Google searches, one for "hominid" and one for "hominin." How do the results differ? Which term yields more hits, in what kinds of sources do the terms show up (weblogs, professional articles, popular articles)?