Homininae facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Homininae Temporal range: 12.5–0Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Three hominines: a human holding a young gorilla and a young chimpanzee.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Suborder:	Haplorhini
Infraorder:	Simiiformes
Family:	Hominidae
Subfamily:	Homininae Gray, 1825
Type species
Homo sapiens Linnaeus, 1758
Tribe
†Dryopithecini Gorillini Hominini sister: Ponginae

Homininae is a special group of great apes. This group includes all humans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. It also includes many of our extinct relatives. These are species that lived long ago and are no longer around.

Scientists believe Homininae species appeared after splitting from other great apes. This happened millions of years ago. Some famous extinct relatives include Ardipithecus and Australopithecus. Early species of the Homo genus are also part of this group.

Meet the Living Homininae

The Homininae group has three main types of living members. These are gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans. Each group has its own unique features and species.

Gorillas: Gentle Giants

Gorillas are the largest living primates. They live in the forests of Africa. There are two main types of gorillas, each with different species.

• Western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)
  • Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
  • Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli)
• Eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei)
  • Mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)
  • Eastern Lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri)

Chimpanzees: Our Closest Relatives

Chimpanzees are very smart and social animals. They are found in the forests of Africa. There are two main types of chimpanzees.

• Common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
  • Central chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes)
  • West African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus)
  • Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti)
  • Eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)
• Bonobo (Pan paniscus)
  • Bonobos are also called pygmy chimpanzees. They are known for their peaceful nature.

Humans: The Homo sapiens

Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus. We are known for our complex brains and ability to create tools and cultures.

• Human (Homo sapiens)
  • Modern Human (Homo sapiens sapiens)

Evolution of Homininae

Scientists study fossils to understand how Homininae evolved. The evolutionary tree shows how different groups are related. It helps us see the connections between humans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. It also shows where our extinct relatives fit in.

This diagram shows the evolutionary tree of the great apes. It helps us understand how different groups like humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas are related over time.

Images for kids

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  This image shows a friendly robot, a symbol of learning and discovery.