nonhominid

Nonhominid refers to any primate that is not a member of the Hominidae family. This family, also known as the great apes, includes humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. Therefore, nonhominids encompass all other primate species. This vast group includes a diverse range of animals, from tiny mouse lemurs to larger monkeys and apes that fall outside the great ape classification.

The order Primates is broadly divided into two suborders: Strepsirrhini and Haplorhini. Strepsirrhines, such as lemurs and lorises, are generally considered nonhominids. Haplorhines include the simians (monkeys and apes) and the tarsiers. Within the simians, the apes are further divided into the Hominoidea superfamily. The Hominoidea includes the Hominidae (great apes) and the Hylobatidae (lesser apes, or gibbons). Thus, gibbons are also classified as nonhominids.

Monkeys, both Old World and New World monkeys, are also nonhominids. Old World monkeys are found in Africa and Asia, while New World monkeys are native to the Americas. These primates display a wide array of adaptations and occupy various ecological niches. The classification of primates helps scientists understand evolutionary relationships and the diversity of primate life on Earth, with nonhominids representing the majority of this primate diversity.