homo sapiens

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Explanation of "Homo sapiens"

Definition:
"Homo sapiens" is a scientific term that refers to the species of human beings that exist today. It means "wise man" in Latin. Homo sapiens are characterized by their ability to think, use language, and create complex tools. They walk on two legs (bipedal) and have large brains, usually over 1400 cubic centimeters in volume.

Usage Instructions

• When to Use: You can use "Homo sapiens" when talking about human evolution, anthropology, or in a scientific context. It is not used in everyday conversation but is important in academic discussions about human beings.

Example Sentences

1. "Homo sapiens are the only surviving species of the genus Homo."
2. "Scientists study the evolution of Homo sapiens to understand how we developed our unique abilities."

Advanced Usage

In advanced discussions, you might encounter "Homo sapiens" in relation to topics like genetics, anthropology, or ecology. For example:

Word Variants

• Hominid: A broader family that includes all human species and their ancestors.
• Homo: This is the genus that includes modern humans and their close relatives, like Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals).

Different Meanings

While "Homo sapiens" specifically refers to modern humans, the individual words have different meanings: - Homo: This Latin word means "man" or "human." - Sapiens: This Latin word means "wise" or "intelligent."

Synonyms

• Humans
• People
• Mankind (though this term is more general and can include all human beings)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Idioms: There aren’t specific idioms that include "Homo sapiens," but you might hear phrases like "the human condition," which refers to the experiences and emotions that are common to all humans.

Summary

In summary, "Homo sapiens" is a scientific term for modern humans, highlighting our unique abilities such as language and tool-making. You can use it in academic settings or when discussing human evolution.

Academic

Noun

1. the only surviving hominid; species to which modern man belongs; bipedal primate having language and ability to make and use complex tools; brain volume at least 1400 cc

Synonyms

• homo sapiens