Title: A NEW POSSIBLE HOMO DEFINITION? INCLUSION OF BOTH CHIMPANZEES SPECIES IN GENUS HOMO
Author: Vanessa Campanacho
Affiliation: CIAS – Centro de Investigação em Antropologia e Saúde, Universidade de
Coimbra, PortugaL; GEEvH
Abstract
The chimpanzee and the bonobo taxonomic classifications have changed over time.
Currently both belong to the family Hominidae and to the genus Pan, however, some researchers advocate the inclusion of these two species in the genus Homo. Such novel
classification would imply to accept a morphological restructuring of the genus Homo. This paper will discuss the arguments for the inclusion of the two chimpanzee species in the genus Homo and describe the main characteristics of this genus (e.g. the cranial capacity, language, thumb opposability, use and making of tools, locomotion mode)with the inclusion of these two apes. Conflicting opinions on this subject depend on arguments being based on more genetic or more morphological data. Genetic studies suggest that Pan has a greater proximity to humans (Homo sapiens) than to gorillas(Gorilla sp.), countering the morphological argument. The present study focuses especially on the genetic data supporting the inclusion of the common chimpanzee and the bonobo in the genus Homo. Reaching a consensus on the definition of the genus Homo is far from achieved. More empirical data and more discussion involving new findings in extant chimpanzees, in fossil hominins and in modern humans are needed to better understand these species and therefore its taxonomic place.
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