- Refers to humans and their closest extinct relatives, sharing a common ancestor 6 million years ago.

- It includes

a) Humans (Homo sapiens): Modern humans.

b) Extinct Homo species: Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis, etc.

c) Australopithecus: Upright-walking, large-brained human ancestors such as A. afarensis, A. africanus, etc.

- Hominids are characterized by bipedalism, enlarged brains, cultural behaviors, use of tools, complex social structures, etc.

- Often used by researchers to differentiate from the broader group of "hominoids" which also includes apes (orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos).