* All hominids are primates: Hominids are a family within the order Primates. This means any early hominid, like Australopithecus, is automatically considered a primate.
* Ape-like and human-like features are part of primate evolution: Early hominids did indeed possess a mix of ape-like and human-like characteristics. This is because they were part of the evolutionary lineage leading to humans.
* The term "primate" encompasses a wide range of species: Primates include monkeys, apes, and humans. So, saying an early hominid is a primate is accurate, but it doesn't highlight the specific relationship between these early hominids and other primates.
In summary:
* Early hominids were primates, as they belong to the hominid family within the primate order.
* Their combination of ape-like and human-like features reflects their position within primate evolution.
It's important to remember that the study of early hominids is complex, and understanding their relationships with other primates requires a more nuanced approach.