Final answer:
The Order Primates includes humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians, with humans placed in the hominid family within this order. Discovery of shared DNA among primates emphasizes our evolutionary connections and aids in understanding human evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The taxonomic order that includes humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians is known as the Order Primates. This order is divided into two groups: prosimians, which include creatures like bush babies, lemurs, and tarsiers, and anthropoids, which encompass monkeys, lesser apes, and great apes. Humans are classified within the primate order as well, placed specifically in the hominid family alongside chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.
Humans as Hominids: The family Hominidae includes four living genera, with humans represented by the sole species Homo sapiens. It's interesting to note that, among primates, there is a considerable sharing of DNA sequences, reinforcing the contemporary evolutionary link. The study of primates, including human evolution, allows us to understand the development of our own species, tracing back to common ancestors.
Characteristics of Primates: Primates are generally omnivorous and are considered generalists, able to thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions. They often have traits such as large brains, especially in anthropoids when compared to prosimians, and exhibit behaviors and physical traits that are similar to humans, providing insights into our own evolutionary history.