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Anthropoidea

Anthropoidea

1 9.9
A group of animals that includes monkeys, apes, and humans
  • noun
  • /ˌænθrəˈpɔɪdiə/
  • Specialized
: antropoides
  • The study of Anthropoidea helps us understand the evolution of our closest relatives.

Examples

  • No more grasping, selfish, and dishonest mammal, indeed, is known to students of the Anthropoidea.

    Blog text (34)
  • The Anthropoidea group is significant in primate research and conservation efforts.

  • Researchers have classified Anthropoidea as a group that includes both monkeys and apes.

Surface Forms

Anthropoidea singular
Anthropoideas plural

Morphology

Anthropoidea = anthropoid (semi-transparent) = anthropo + oidea

Formed from the combining form 'anthropo-' (human) plus the taxonomic suffix '-oidea'; the components signal 'human/ape-like group' but the taxonomic suffix is specialized vocabulary.

Etymology

Anthropoidea comes from the Greek root anthropos meaning 'human' and the ending -oidea meaning 'like' or 'form'. So Anthropoidea literally says 'human-like' animals, which fits because this scientific group includes monkeys, apes, and humans.