The Hominidae family consists of the great apes and the human species. Until a little while ago, most people though that only humans were in this family, but research has grown to include chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. The first three species are very closely linked but orangutans are slightly less close phylogenetically to the others. All of the members of this family have a large brain case.

Most have a prominent face and prognathous jaw except humans. The members of this family have a very complex social behavior. They also use facial expressions and complex vocations. All of the members of the family are good climbers with the exception of humans. They also all live-in nest that they build. They usually have nostrils close together and facing forward and downward. Hominidae is a very complex and interesting family.