Which characteristic is NOT associated with the superfamily Hominoidea?

The correct answer is the external tails, as this characteristic does not apply to the superfamily Hominoidea. Members of this superfamily, which includes great apes and humans, are characterized by having no tails. In other words, the absence of tails is a defining trait of hominoids, distinguishing them from many other primate groups that do possess tails.

In addition to the absence of tails, hominoids are known for their larger brain sizes relative to body size compared to other primates, which supports complex behaviors and social structures. Bipedal locomotion also serves as an important characteristic, particularly in humans, and is associated with adaptations for walking on two legs.

The presence of external tails would be more characteristic of other primate families such as the Cercopithecoidea (Old World monkeys) or Platyrrhini (New World monkeys), where tails may be prehensile or used for balance in arboreal environments. Therefore, identifying external tails as unrelated to Hominoidea highlights a key distinction between different primate superfamilies.