"Early hominids" refers to the earliest human ancestors who lived millions of years ago. They were upright-walking primates that came before modern humans and included species like Australopithecus and Homo habilis. Full definition
For decades, before the diversity of early hominids in Africa became apparent, many researchers believed that humanity's most likely direct ancestor was East Africa's Australopithecus afarensis, best known through the famous 3.2 - million - year - old Lucy. (discovermagazine.com)
In early hominid evolution this particularly refers to the space between the lower canine and the lower first premolar. (becominghuman.org)
He believes the five skulls represent at least two other early hominid species. (discovermagazine.com)