Families
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Organisms within an order are then classified into families. Families are groups of organisms that share certain adaptive traits. Just like a family in the traditional sense, organisms of a family are said to be relatives. They have a common ancestry which explains why they have so much in common.
There are many families in the plant and animal kingdoms. Humans, who are a part of the animal kingdom, are in the Hominidae Family. We share this family with orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees. We are grouped with specific mammals because we share similar characteristics with them. Humans have opposable thumbs, long legs, and canine teeth used to tear meat. These characteristics are shared with the other members of the Hominidae Family. The Hominidae are the smartest of all the animal kingdom families. In fact, chimpanzees can be taught sign language in order to communicate with humans. |
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