Final answer:
The term 'primate' signifies the higher place of humans in the natural hierarchy historically, but biologically it includes humans, apes, and monkeys, all of which share a common ancestry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word primate was originally used to denote the higher order of humans in the chain of being. This historical usage reflects the once-common belief that humans occupied a status at the top of the natural world's hierarchy. However, from a biological standpoint, primates include a broader category that encompasses not only humans but also apes and monkeys, sharing common ancestry from ancient ape-like ancestors. All primates exhibit a range of characteristics that distinguish them as mammals with larger brains compared to other species, nails instead of claws, and stereoscopic vision. These biological factors, along with genetic evidence pointing to shared DNA sequences between humans and other primates, illustrate our close evolutionary relationship within the animal kingdom.