Non-anthropoid

A term encompassing any animal that does not belong to the biological superfamily *Hominoidea*, the group including humans, apes, and their immediate ancestors. It fundamentally describes creatures that are not hominoids. The designation 'non-anthropoid' specifically highlights what a creature *isn't*—a member of the ape family—rather than detailing specific characteristics. The category typically encompasses a vast array of animals, from lemurs and monkeys to various other primates, depending on the particular context in which the term is applied.

Non-anthropoid meaning with examples

• The evolutionary biologist studied the skeletal structure of several non-anthropoid primates to gain insights into the development of bipedalism. Comparing the bone density and joint flexibility of different species gave him critical information.
• In the field of primatology, researchers often compare the social behaviors of anthropoids and non-anthropoid primates to understand how complex societies and communication skills originated and evolved over vast timescales. Their studies continue to provide fascinating data.
• The zoo's primate exhibit was divided into two sections, one housing anthropoids and the other displaying a diverse collection of non-anthropoid monkeys and lemurs, allowing visitors to appreciate the breadth of primate diversity in a safe environment.
• During his documentary, the wildlife filmmaker focused on the complex tool use demonstrated by some non-anthropoid primates, showcasing the surprisingly advanced cognitive abilities possessed by creatures that aren't hominids.
• The genetic analysis revealed that the common ancestor of anthropoids and non-anthropoid primates lived millions of years ago. This discovery helped to shed light on the path of human evolution and our relationship to other primates.